Fans couldn't stop smiling when Manilow took the stage at the Chicago Theatre for three almost-sold-out dates.
He began the show—rescheduled from previously scheduled date postponed because of health concerns—with "It's a Miracle/Could It Be Magic." Manilow stated he discovered Vicodin after surgery and he would take that with him forever, as the crowd laughed in response.
He was in good spirits as people reminisced with "Bandstand Boogie," complete with clips from the show American Bandstand on a giant screen in the background.
Plenty of gays and lesbians held hands and danced around, perhaps remembering him from his Bette Midler "bathhouse Betty" days. He talked about the '70s and remembered performing at the Ravinia Festival here locally.
Manilow sat down at the keyboard to play "Even Now," showing his still-strong voice. He then played musical chairs with other pianists, switching seats after tickling the ivories on a medley.
He poked fun at himself with past album covers, stating he looked like the Mona Lisa on one of them. His cover of Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" had people leaping out of the seats and singing along.
Newer songs such as "15 minutes" didn't work as well, but how can he compete with the history of "I Am Your Child?" He made a statement against reality shows with that one, at least.
"Mandy" played on the TV screen as he walked onstage, essentially doing a duet with himself. With "Copacabana (At the Copa)," his flamboyant silver outfit was depicted in the background, although he didn't slip it on like he has done in past live shows.
Manilow writes the songs that make the whole world sing, and audience members didn't want to leave after he didn't return for an encore. Many stood outside the stage door while he drove away waving from his tinted window.
Visit www.manilow.com, where fans are encouraged to donate musical instruments for the singer's charity. Text and photos of the concert by Jerry Nunn
