In case anyone forgot the power of melody, remind yourself and try to snag a ticket to MANILOW BROADWAY.   I know I’ve previously called some other music events “happenings” but nothing can compare to what “happens” at Barry Manilow’s show currently playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.  If your ears were working in the 70’s and 80’s his songs are imbedded in your musical memory forever.  The producers probably should have removed the seats from the theatre and just gave you a spot to stand.  The audience cannot control their emotions as Barry performs his songbook and they give him a standing ovation from the first notes of a familiar intro, rising again as he brings the MELODY a key higher, and jumping out of their seats once more as he hits the last bars.  Manilow, takes you on a journey through his life starting with humble beginnings in Williamsburg Brooklyn.  We even got to hear Barry’s first recording, albeit scratchy low fi.   His grandfather who early on identified Barry’s musicality took his grandson to Times Square to one of those “record your own record” booths and coaxed him to sing Happy Birthday.

Mandy, New York City Rhythm, Can’t Smile Without You, Even Now, Looks Like We Made It, Copacabana, I Write The Songs, and 2 hours of all his hits with a driving orchestra on  stage  comprised of fantastic musicians constantly keep you in a state of euphoria for every second of this show.  The lights, media effects, back up singers and videos are amazing and you’re even given a pair of 3D glasses to experience Barry flying through New York City like superman .  My friends…..this was truly a HAPPENING!

On a purely personal note, Aug 2, 1969 Eda & I were married. Barry Manilow music has been a part of our life and what better anniversary present (from Sunny Sessa) could you ever get.    BTW, the Honeymoon is tonight with Barbra Streisand at Madison Square Garden.