Manilow on Broadway
Live at the St. James
New York, NY
January 18, 2013 Opening Night

Ah, Broadway!

Playing the St. James Theater on 44th Street in Manhattan, had to be one of the most exciting experiences of my career.

I’d played The Gershwin theater many years ago, but for some reason, playing the St. James seemed more legitimate.

The Gershwin Theater, beautiful as it is, was sometimes used as a concert hall for pop shows. But the St. James is known as a well respected Broadway theater. “Hello Dolly” opened there, “The Producers”, “The King and I”, “Oklahoma!” opened there. It’s a bona-fide Broadway house and it was thrilling.

The dressing rooms, the backstage areas, the wings on both sides of the stage – everything said “Legitmate Broadway Theater”.

For a guy like me who was raised in Brooklyn, just a subway ride away from this hallowed area called Broadway, it was a dream come true.

Our six weeks at the St. James theater were fantastic. The audiences were wild New Yorkers. I felt as if I knew everyone there.

For me, it was as close to a coming-home experience as I’ve ever had.

I just loved it. For those of you who were there, I thank you for coming.

For those of you who couldn’t be there, this month’s episode of ManilowTV might give you a little idea of what it was like on opening night.

Enjoy!

Love,

Barry