I know that Barry's last show was gloom and doom to most of the fans, but I was just happy to be there. Since my seats were strategically located to view the entire theater and a great vantage point to take in the theatrics of the show, I was excited to see it from that perspective.
Before the show I had the privilege to meet Chris with Stiletto and it was an absolute pleasure. Chris is a bright and shining beacon in the Manilow management team and since I had known him from Twitter, I wanted to meet him in person. Genuine. Real. A cut above so many.
I have to say, it was so much fun viewing the show with my daughter. She brought a completely different perspective to the show and helped me to stay light-hearted throughout the evening. I wasn't feeling sad at all, like so many of the fans. I was just happy to have had the opportunity to participate in so many shows at the Hilton and the final show at the Paris.
I had hoped, however, for some once-in-a-lifetime songs: If I Should Love Again, The Best of Me, or anything from his earlier catalogue that was a fan favorite. But the show progressed as planned and it became clear that we would not get any little surprises. Perhaps it was Barry's way of staying positive and not focusing on the inevitable end. Whatever the reason, we didn't hear any gems that night, as most of you have already read in the reviews.
I thought it was a nice touch bringing his "family" out on stage for the final curtain call; especially the families who had added children during the last seven years. His return to the stage and singing "Where does the time go?" was sweet and poignant. But what really hit me was the last and final song: "Here's to Las Vegas". It brought back all the wonderful times at the Hilton when they played that song upon leaving the theater. I remember hearing it for the very first time after the first show I attended and it was only fitting for it to close out the Vegas run with it too. I wasn't sad, I was just grateful for the good times and thinking about all my friends who couldn't be there that night to share it with me.
After the show, my daughter and I made our way to the front of the theater for a photo of the two of us in front of the curtain backdrop. I can remember taking many photos at the Hilton with friends there as well. Now I have this one to add to my collection.
The years have passed quickly but the memories (both good and bad) will remain forever. Moving on for me means holding on to the "best of times" and letting go of "the worst of times". Somehow, in my own way, this last show was MY curtain call.
Looking forward to the final posts and putting all of this to rest,
Texas Fan
Upcoming posts:
December 30-What happens in Vegas...can't stay in Vegas
December 31-A Manilow Musing Q&A
January 1-It's ALL about the Music
Posts
3 comments:
I wonder if Barry might eventually go back to Vegas, though perhaps with a more limited schedule to allow him time to do the arena dates he seems to love, as well as other things that might interest him professionally. Vegas was a good fit for him, but he does need a break from it now. Doing the same thing for seven years! I'm honestly surprised he stayed that long without taking said break, but I'll also be surprised if he doesn't go back at some point.
Glad you had fun at his last show. I wanted to go but couldn't get the money together in time. It's been a struggle to save for the show in NY in February and at this point in time I still don't have enough, though I do have January yet to save a bit more and my income tax return to add to that LOL. It sucks living paycheck to paycheck, it takes forever to save to do anything fun!!!
I'm sorry you had to be subjected to such behavior. Although we've never met, I do enjoy your blog. It's written with truth and intelligence.
You were gracious enough not to mention their names but we know who they are. I will admit I don't know these people but I don't have to. Just ask around, even Manilow Store and hotel staff have had enough of them and boy could I could on and on about what has been said about them.
Happy New Year!
The days of their belief that they are entitled to more than any other fan has come to a close. They probably thought they were entitled to be at all the parties as well.Imagine the party the hotel staff and store employees must have had as it all came to an end. It is so unfortunate that all these people who they profess are special to them will be a distant memory. I think they call that using. Their days of stalking are now over. Barry, his band and staff no longer have to look over their shoulders all the time and deal with them.
Happy for Barry that he has new opportunities to do what he wants. Can't wait to see what the future holds for him.
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