Manilow mixes classics, Vegas tribute for superb show

Friday, March 4, 2005 | 8:50 a.m.

When Barry Manilow announced a 24-week gig at the Hilton last year he promised fans something old and something new.

He delivered on that promise at his premiere last week, leaving a packed house enthralled by a lively performance that included such classics as "Copacabana" and "Mandy," as well as a new song, "Here's to Las Vegas."

Manilow (backed by an 11-piece band and four dynamic vocalists) was much more than a vocalist picking titles from his hefty catalog of hits; he was an entertainer who wooed his fans with an engaging personality and an enthusiasm for his craft.

He opened the show with Frank Sinatra's "Luck be a Lady," a nod to Vegas' glorious past when entertainers dominated the marquees instead of production shows and steak dinners.

The 61-year-old international star has joined a growing list of well-known performers who are finding some degree of permanency in Vegas -- Celine Dion, Elton John and Gladys Knight -- and semi-regulars such as Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck and Paul Anka.

Some fans might be disappointed that Manilow doesn't simply spend 90 minutes singing his songs, but that can be very boring. They should buy his CDs and forget about seeing him in person.

Most of the 1,700 or so fans who attended his debut performance were as enthusiastic about his being there as he was about performing for them -- they gave him several standing ovations.

If their reaction is any indication of the future, Manilow should have a long and happy stay at the Hilton.

Manilow told the audience he was in the middle of his farewell tour -- a true farewell tour, not one that continues year after year -- when his friend, comedian David Brenner, called him and told him the Hilton was looking for a headliner.

"I was in the middle of my farewell tour," he said during one of his many asides to the audience, "but unlike Cher, I really meant it.

"But I went home, watched CNN, looked at all the headlines in the news, saw the state of the world and said to myself, 'Manilow, they need you out there. They need an uplifting experience' -- so I called the guys and said, 'I'm in.' "

A deal was quickly put together and Manilow now has a short commute to his home in Palm Springs, Calif.

Brenner was among the guests at the premiere. Others included Elton John and Steve Wynn.

A number of celebrities who were scheduled to attend the event live in Southern California and could not make it because of the rain and mudslides. Those who said they wanted to be there for the Manilow debut included producer/songwriter David Foster.

There were many highlights of the evening -- Manilow singing a duet with a nurse who, surprisingly, sang on key; a number in which he and four of his band members played musical chairs with keyboards -- each rotating to a different keyboard until they ended up at their original starting point.

Manilow mugged for his fans, played the accordion, exhibited a self-effacing sense of humor, told stories about his career and his life, and demonstrated that his voice is as fine as ever.

A fascinating visual was that of Manilow singing "Mandy." On a video screen upstage we see him performing the song 30 years ago, and then it segues to his live performance of the song -- and he ends up singing a duet with himself.

"I'm so proud of this music," he said. "Have you been in the elevator at the Hilton? It's me, 24 hours a day -- I like it!"

And so do the fans.