The hit musical revue "Could It Be Magic? The Barry Manilow Songbook," was awarded the prestigious Black Theatre Alliance Award. Music director, Ron Walters, Jr., received an award for Best Musical Direction. The production was additionally honored with two Joseph Jefferson Award nominations: Best Actress, revue (E. Faye Butler) and Best Musical Direction (Ron Walters, Jr.). The Jeff Awards will be presented Nov. 5 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Ill.
The musical revue is a tribute to the many virtuoso songwriters who have created classic songs and features more than 30 of Manilow's most popular songs. It's presented in a contemporary style with an ensemble cast of singers and dancers and a six-piece band.
"From 1975 to the present," Manilow said, "I have had the privilege of introducing songs that make people laugh, cry and boogie; that make people feel. I'm honored that those songs will live on in this exciting new production."
Choreography and staging is by Kye Brackett; Seth Jackson, noted for his work as lighting and scenic designer for Don Henley, Shania Twain, Kenny G, and Manilow's concert productions, designed the sets and lights. The show is produced by Garry C. Kief, Robert E. Kief and Scott E. Nederlander in association with Stiletto Entertainment, Manilow's management company and collaborators on numerous television specials and theatrical productions, and JAM Theatricals.
The show runs through Nov. 25 at The Mercury Theater in Chicago.
