It was another energetic, bouncy night. I came across someone's post online that gave
Barry a very good review, but said that he is "noticeably hindered." Hmmmm... Maybe
if they had seen him in August they wouldn't think so! He may not be running from
one side of the stage to the other, but he looks pretty good to me - I hope he's not
really hurting and hiding it like he was before.
Front row is great, but you know, second row center is pretty darn great, too. I
had a fantastic seat for this show. I would almost be willing to say this is my
favorite place to sit in the theater.
The set list didn't change, but the energy level of some of the songs did. For
instance, tonight's Unchained Melody ranks up there in the top 10 (maybe top 5)
performances of that song I've ever witnessed - a great deal of emotion and passion.
I'm so glad he hasn't removed it from the show. It will always rank as one of my
all-time favorite Manilow songs. I thought last night's version was excellent, but
this one wins hands down.
Within the 50's medley, Love Is A Many Splendored Thing was also very passionate. And
there's a new, very funny moment right after Kye screams and faints where Monica
reaches out for Barry - it's *what* she's reaching for that makes it so funny!
Are You Lonesome Tonight - oh my! Doesn't really matter if I don't especially like
the song itself, what Barry is doing with it is amazing. And to be sitting right in
front of him, only 10 feet away is even more amazing. I loved it. This song is
totally believable - makes you wonder who he's thinking about while he sings it.
Looks Like We Made It continues to stand out. And the audience really seems to enjoy
it. Last night Barry seemed very pleased with the audience reaction - the expression
on his face was priceless.
The 60's medley was great again. This version really works. They all seem to be
having a blast doing it. Can't Take My Eyes Off You is so fun. Last night when he
asked us to sing along with him, I do believe I heard "I love you, Barry!" instead
of "I love you, baby" - I wondered how long that would take! Of course, it fits! I
noticed last night and tonight that when he sits on the cube during the song, he's
tapping his foot to the music. Without seeing it, that probably doesn't sound
especially exciting, but I think it will wind up being one of those Manilow-isms that
we all recognize and love.
What the World Needs Now Is Love is a great feel-good song. Not just the way it's
performed, but also the camaraderie that's portrayed between Barry and his backups.
You've Lost That Loving Feeling is to die for - the only way it could be better is if
we got the entire song. But we get most of it. He starts the song off with an even
deeper voice than what we hear on the CD - it sounds great. That long note at the end
is just incredible - I don't see how he does it. And What the World Needs Now Is Love
is a great feel-good song.
I was talking with a friend about the 70's segment; we both agree it
seems a little abbreviated. Maybe we're just being greedy (yeah, we probably
are!), but we both think it would be better if he would throw in just one more hit
after the Mandy/Could It Be Magic medley. Of course that adds 3-4 minutes more to
the show. I'm sure the audience won't mind, but Barry might!
There's one thing that I really do like about the way Barry has changed this portion
of the show. Before the break from the shows, I always felt sad when he finished
the Rock Bottom song and went to the piano for I Write the Songs because it
meant the show was almost over. I don't feel that way with the new structure of the
segment. Don't ask me why - it doesn't make sense - I Write the Songs *always* means
the show is almost over. Maybe it has nothing to do with the order of the songs -
maybe it's just that I'm so grateful to have him back on stage in seemingly good
health, grateful that I'm able to be here, and appreciative of the time that I do
have to enjoy what he has to offer us.
Thinking back, I believe this was the best show of the week (so far, anyway). It
seemed to me there were a lot of stand out songs. Even his Daybreak/Somewhere in the
Night/This One's For You medley had an extra "oomph". This show was so special, I
even grabbed a few of the streamers to take home with me as a remembrance.
