Even before he steps out onto the stage, the audience is on its feet clapping and screaming for Barry Manilow. Walking out and launching into "Could It Be Magic?" Manilow proves his pipes are as strong and clear as ever and his suits still dapper. He promises "beautiful melodies, passionate lyrics, great grooves, and maybe even some swiveling hips" to the delight of the sold-out house. The video was filmed in Nashville in February 2000 and includes half an hour of footage not included in the direct TV broadcast. A consummate showman, Manilow performs 24 of his biggest hits accompanied by full orchestra. "Tryin' to Get the Feeling Again" speaks to everyone whose heart has been broken but holds out for love. During "Can't Smile Without You," the audience holds up signs bearing smiley faces, hearts, and "ME" in hopes that Manilow will pick them for his traditional duet. "Bandstand Boogie," the long-time theme song for American Bandstand, rocks the house. Then Manilow brings it down for perennial favorite, "Mandy," which segues into "Even Now."
Manilow's timing is impeccable, and he knows exactly how to work the adoring crowd. The accordion interlude is particularly amusing, as is "Flight of the Bumblebee" played on a kazoo. Mixing pop, jazz, disco, and big band, Manilow moves smoothly through the two-hour set, alternately sitting at the piano or standing at the mike. The bluesy "That's Life" gets an infusion of energy from audience participation, and "Copacabana" is just as infectious as ever (with Manilow doing a little of that hip-swiveling). Ending with a heartfelt encore of "Stars in the Night," Manilow Live! is a must-have for fans of the man. --Dana Van Nest
