Barry Manilow: Music and Passion

From a marketing standpoint, Barry Manilow is almost the perfect Las Vegas performer. He's a recognizable name, with a large following. He performs clean, eminently hummable tunes in a production full of that ol' showbiz razzmatazz.  

Oddly, though, while the aforementioned razzmatazz makes the show interesting, it also underscores the weakness of the material. Let me explain: 

Barry Manilow, wildly successful as both songwriter and performer, hasn't too many songs that will transcend time. "Copacabana" (from which the show's title, "Music and Passion" is taken), "Mandy, I Can't Smile Without You" and, even, "I Write the Songs" (which, in this case, he didn't) are the definition of fun, easy listening music. I challenge you, in fact, to listen to "Copacabana" and do so while sitting still. 

These are nice numbers but, in this context, they're all big numbers with costumes — Barry wears lots of jackets — video, sets, backup singers and dancers. So the rather simple material often isn't up to the production. 

But, let's be fair, this is a Las Vegas show with a permanent home at the Las Vegas Hilton. And people who come to the show expect it to live up to the local standard. So in that way, the show doesn't disappoint. It's vintage Vegas with a smashing "Copacabana" finale. And if the star is a bit too self-deprecating ("Can you believe I'm a sex symbol?") and his patter a bit too pat, it's OK. The people get what they pay for and, judging from the standing o's and dancing in the aisles, they are indeed pleased. 

In truth, it's a fun show and if it is lacking in warmth and spontaneity, so what? You have a good time and, often, that's all people ask for. 

Tickets, like those for most Las Vegas shows, are pricey, running $95 to $225, plus tax and fees. In fact, we went with two "Fanilows," die-hard fans who paid $1,000 each for a meet-and-greet, champagne, photo session and front row seats. (The money goes to Manilow's foundation and each participant is only allowed to do this one time. They do keep track.)