Stage: Barry Manilow: Music and Passion

Always in fashion: Laugh all you want. Manilow rocks

By Jessica Kruse

Go ahead and make fun of Barry Manilow. Crack jokes about the man who "writes the songs." Mention the strange fate that his music frequently meets as poorly produced elevator fodder. It's nothing new. Manilow has heard it already. In fact, he likes to joke about it himself when he's onstage. All jokes aside, though, he must be doing somethin right, since he signed a yearlong contract with the Las Vegas Hilton for a new show that promises to be a hit with tourists and locals alike.

Even if you've never been a huge fan of Manilow, Music and Passion is a top-notch show that spotlights some great musicians and performers. What's more important is that Manilow's voice is still unbeatable, and his energy, charm and love of performing are evident as he sings all the old favorites along with some newer fare, including a tribute to Las Vegas and its performers.

One of the highlights of the show is a duet of sorts, with Manilow performing "Mandy" while behind him a screen projects a much younger Manilow performing the same song years ago on the television show "Midnight Special." There's also a bit that has Manilow and three of his musicians playing a game of "musical pianos" as they trade positions while keeping in time with the music.

One slightly odd moment in the 90-minute show is a rap breakdown during the middle of the crowd favorite, "Copacabana," which appears to be nothing more than a half-hearted attempt at appealing to a younger generation of showgoers. Maybe it seemed like a good idea on paper, but the audience just looked confused.

There are still a few kinks that need ironed out (mainly in the transitions between songs), but the show runs relatively smoothly, leaving no doubts the crew will only get better when it has a few more performances under its belt.

Manilow vowed to retire after his tour last year, and unless he's trying to top Cher's record for highest number of "last" tours, this year might be one of the last opportunities to see this musical legend perform. He may not be making the young girls cry anymore, but he's still writing the songs.