When you are talking about Barry Manilow’s accomplishments, it’s hard to know quite where to start. You could begin in New York in the 1960s, when he started in his teens, turning out a score for a play. You might end in the 2020s, where he has a multiyear residency at Westgate Las Vegas (He's there Feb. 10-12 and 17-19 plus the first weekend in March as well as two weekends in April) But there’s so much in between to touch on.

That first play score was at his CBS job, where he was soon writing and singing jingles for commercials, and that’s where many fans first heard his voice, in Band-Aid and State Farm ads. That era ended as Manilow was signed to his first record company, and his work there led to his performing with Bette Midler and album releases throughout the ’70s, with his first No. 1 hit, “Mandy,” in 1975, which embedded itself in fans’ consciousness.

Manilow’s star continued to shine with hits on albums like Tryin’ to Get the Feeling (with “I Write the Songs”), This One’s for You (with “Looks Like We Made It”), and Even Now (with “Copacabana” and “Ready to Take a Chance Again);” TV specials; touring; and selling out concerts. He had much success throughout the rest of the decade, culminating in a Greatest Hits album. He released another 12 albums in the 1980s and ’90s, playing with different styles, from swing and show tunes to ’70s covers. In betwixt those albums, he did so much more, producing albums for stars like Midler, Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson and Sarah Vaughn.

When he entered the new millennium, Manilow also entered a new age of residencies, in Las Vegas in particular, where he played at the Paris in a long-running engagement, and on the International Theater stage, where his Westgate residency continues this week. An extension of Manilow: Las Vegas—The Hits Come Home into 2023 was announced last fall, complete with a flash mob dancing to “Copacabana” in front of the resort. (That extension means he’ll have appeared there more than Elvis Presley!) At the time, Manilow said, “I love it here. Westgate Las Vegas is my home away from home and I look forward to performing here for a long, long time.”

When you attend one of those shows at the Westgate, you are in for a treat, because Manilow touches on all those eras in The Hits Come Home. Not only will you hear “Mandy” and “Copacabana,” as well as many other songs, you’ll be treated to a retrospective, where Manilow talks a bit about the phases in his career. In addition, videos, dancers, singers and an ascending catwalk that stretches over the audience all contribute to this production, which has the feel of a mini-Broadway show.

And that all adds up to a great time, not only for the Barry faithful known as Fanilows, but to anyone who enters the theater.

Westgate Las Vegas, westgatelasvegas.com

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