At the late show Barry seemed very happy, almost silly sometimes (I love
it when he's like that!).
He performed Memory - not one of my favorite songs, but a very powerful
performance. It's another example of his being able to make me enjoy a
song that I really don't care for. It was definitely a WOW performance.
On the Dew Drop side he sang I Am Your Child. He mentioned that Marty
Panzer was in the audience again. Barry's voice was starting to get a
little scratchy. He commented that there were too many high notes in
that song for the late show.
The 50s segment is still one of my favorites. Barry was especially
funny (and cute!) during Venus tonight. Love Is A Many Splendored Thing
was excellent again. Barry's voice was really scratchy as he was ready
to start Unchained Melody. He stopped to get a drink of water and made
a comment about the fact that it was the hardest song of the night and
he was going to attempt it anyway - then he said something to the effect
of "How bright is that?. He said that he might not be able to hit the
high note, "but you know what I mean" - he laughed and told us to cross
our fingers. And then he proceeded to nail the song - it was perfect,
no scratchy voice, the high note was right on. It was absolutely
beautiful. Again, I got that feeling of pride - proud of him for being
who he is and just plain proud to be a Manilow fan. And of course he
got a standing ovation. After the song was over he said, "I love a good
comeback!"
It almost seems as if they turned up the lights on the backup singers
during tonight's shows - I was able to get some photos.
Has anyone mentioned the mini-BAMs that he's started putting in while
he's standing on the piano? And has anyone mentioned that Barry has
changed the ending of the Mayflower segment? Now instead of sitting
down on the piano with the backups gathered around him, they're keeping
it upbeat with the backups in front dancing - then Barry joins then.
And Kye is doing some incredible dancing.
Barry seems to have found the way he wants to perform Are You Lonesome
Tonight. He sings it very tenderly, even sweetly. And the ending is so
soft and emotional. It's very touching.
We didn't get the new medley at the late show, he performed I Write the
Songs straight. He did cross his fingers before attempting the ending
note - he nailed it, of course.
And now I guess post-Manilow depression will set in - it's already
started. Not sure when I'll be back - definitely June - a possibility
that it will be sooner - I hope it will be sooner! I think I'm going
into withdrawals already!
