What I LOVE about Barry being at Paris Las Vegas

(photo taken by @ParisVegas via Twitter)

I hate to use the "H" word, but I feel I must. Because tonight's "play-by-play" on Twitter of the Manilow show made me an even bigger fan of The Paris and convinced me beyond a doubt that this venue is where Barry belongs. The "red carpet" treatment his show has received since moving there--from massive billboards, to coverage in the local papers, to giveaways on the radio stations, to the awesome use of social media to stay in touch with the fans, to courting the Vegas concierges--what a SHARP contrast to the treatment he received at the "H"ilton. There...I said it. Now....here's the transcript from tonight's show (for those of you that haven't discovered Twitter and those that missed it) **Hint: the timeline is backwards from the last tweet of the evening to the first one entering the theater**

The red sequined heart on the back of Manilow's tux is a nice touch. Full standing ovation!

--------------------------

"Copacabana" has got to be a bittersweet moment at any Manilow show. Some songs are just too good to be anything but finales.

--------------------------

"I Write the Songs" gets the glowsticks going. http://tweetphoto.com/15983007

---------------------------

Barry 1975 duets with Barry 2010 for "Mandy." Singing harmony with himself. Crowd, unsurprisingly, goes nuts.

---------------------------

@p2nia2 it was a direct quote.

---------------------------

"Even Now" gets the biggest reaction of the night so far.

----------------------------

"If you can't get lucky to this album, give up."

----------------------------

The theme from Love Story is heartfelt, gorgeous & timeless.

----------------------------

Impressionist art and Gershwin covers go together like gin and tonic.

----------------------------

This is like a Quentin Tarantino Mexican standoff with pianos instead of guns. #manilow

----------------------------

Manilow reveals a childhood photo. Entire crowd goes "aww" in unison.

----------------------------

Yes the glowsticks are red. @copabams

----------------------------

Clever use of digital "picture frame" drops to evoke a time & place. Perfect complement to #Manilow's storytelling about his songs.

----------------------------

The jacket comes off. Barry means business. "I Want to Be Somebody's Baby" grooves like Bernie Taupin on his best day.

-----------------------------

One man, a piano and one spotlight. "Weekend in New England" seems to be inspiring widespread audience snuggling. #manilow

------------------------------

The whole crowd is swaying to "Can't Smile Without You." Big smiley face on the LED is swaying too. Huge pop from the audience.

------------------------------

LED pinpoint screen behind the stage goes blue for the night's first ballad, "Somewhere in the Night." Crowd is waving glowsticks.

-------------------------------

Scrim rises, revealing at least 14 musicians & backup singers to perform "Could It Be Magic."

-------------------------------

Stylized, digitized Parisian imagery, strobes & a standing ovation mark #manilow's entrance.

-------------------------------

By request, a shot of the showroom. Auditoriums & camera phones don't mix. http://tweetphoto.com/15974749

-------------------------------

RT @VegasBill: http://twitpic.com/1b5pxu - Look who I spotted at Barry Manilow's press night show @ParisVegas?! Yes, @DaynaRoselli

-------------------------------

Vibrant reds, elegant chandeliers set a mood for music and passion at Paris Théâtre. #manilow

-------------------------------

Was handed a glowstick at the door. Didn't realize it was this kind of party. #manilow

A million thanks to Paris Las Vegas and to Barry for sharing this evening with the Twitterverse,
Texas Fan

P.S. If you are on Twitter and want to read ALL the coverage of tonight's show with pics and videos check these out:
@Robin_Leach
@VegasBill
@Norm_Clarke
or you can follow my VegasNews Twitter list and see them all in one place

The NEW Manilow show and social media

(photo provided by @SkiManilow via Twitter)

Here's a perfect example why I absolutely LOVE social media. Last night we got some early "peeks" at the show via @Robin_Leach (posting videos) and @SkiManilow (with a great picture) on Twitter. Then, Sue Johnson on Facebook posted an early review of the show. Social media lets those who are there share their experiences sooner via their mobile messaging capabilities in social media. It's great for the fans. Great for Barry. And great for The Paris. It's a win/win situation all around.

What's also great was the use of social media when the show had to be canceled. Paris Las Vegas got the word out quickly via Facebook and Twitter (letting everyone know just as soon as the decision was made). They also provided information about the rescheduling as well. Such a difference from the lack of communication when problems occurred at the Hilton.

You can find the links to the videos and pictures on the MMN today, but experiencing them LIVE was a real treat for me. And witnessing the way Paris Las Vegas used social media to communicate with the fans was even greater.

Kudos to Paris Las Vegas, Robin Leach and @SkiManilow...and....to Barry for providing a GREAT opening night of shows!
Texas Fan