By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
December 4, 1989
From the screeching that erupted when Barry Manilow stepped onstage Friday night at the Chicago Theatre, you would’ve thought he was one of the New Kids on the Block, and that the predominantly fortysomething audience was filled with love-crazed schoolgirls.
In the first of three scheduled concerts over the weekend, the amicable Manilow was back with his trademark show: glitzy, schmaltzy and goofy, but fun.
It’s appropriate that a laundry detergent and a dish-washing liquid are sponsoring Manilow’s tour, because he is one of today’s squeakiest clean performers. Even Donny Osmond has gone the leather and stubble route.
Dubbed “Barry Manilow on Broadway,” the 2 1/2-hour concert was set up like a theatrical production, with two sets, two costume changes and a talented nine-piece band that also partook in skits.
The 43-year-old musician is famous for writing songs that tug at the heart strings, but Manilow also has the knack for turning covers into his own.
The standout that evening came when Manilow accompanied himself on the piano and sang an elegant rendition of “Memory,” the showstopper from the play, “Cats.” More so than on any other number, Manilow evoked visual images, using his voice as the projector.
Many of Manilow’s tunes tend to have crescendoing finishes. They’re the type of songs that figure skaters love to use in their routines, because they know that a triple spin accompanied by Manilow’s soaring vocals will ensure them brownie points.
So while it was nice to hear poignant renditions of “Weekend in New England” and “Looks Like We Made It,” it was a relief when he broke into a medley of peppier songs that included the theme to “American Bandstand.” Unfortunately, the medley also included “Copacabana,” easily one of pop’s most inane and disposable songs ever.
In one of the evening’s more humorous moments, Manilow brought a young woman onstage with him to sing “Can’t Smile Without You.” Debbie, a college student from Milwaukee, seemed vocal enough when she was screaming from the audience. Onstage, quivering next to the star, she didn’t fare as well; her singing consisted of little squeaks.
While there are many musicians whose work I admire more, Manilow’s showmanship rates right up with the best of them. He is a consummate performer, who does everything to make his audience have a good time, even at the expense of embarrassing himself.
Yes, his semi-obscene hip undulations looked ridiculous. And yes, his act was a little on the corny side. But hey, I’m from the Midwest. I like a little corn in my diet.
