As reported by: The Associated Press
Barry Manilow, famous for songs such as "Mandy" and "Copacabana," has signed a long-term deal to perform at the Las Vegas Hilton hotel-casino.

Manilow will perform five nights a week for 24 weeks through 2005 and into 2006, executives announced Tuesday. The 90-minute show premieres Feb. 24 and is called "Manilow: Music and Passion."

Executives declined to discuss contract details.

Manilow said at a news conference that playing Las Vegas made perfect sense after he made the decision to stop touring.

He said the show will include singers, dancers, a large band and new songs.

"It won't be static," Manilow said. "It will change every night."

His theater will hold about 1,700 people after renovations.

Manilow, who said he intends to write a Las Vegas theme song similar to "New York, New York," is following in the footsteps of Elvis Presley, who once performed at the Hilton, and other singers such as Celine Dion, Elton John and Gladys Knight.


Article By: The Associated Press