Barry Manilow’s hit musical Copacabana heads for St. Helens Theatre Royal in February 2015 – with Jimmy Osmond joining the cast to start the 2015 leg of the U.K tour.
The new production opens in St. Helens on the 2nd February as it embarks on a tour of the U.K, with eight performances at the Theatre Royal over six days. These will be Jimmy’s first dates as part of the Copacabana cast. Jimmy Osmond will play the role of Sam Silver, he will be joined by Jon Lee as Tony Starr, and introducing Jennifer Harding as Lola.
The musical, written by Manilow and his long-time collaborators Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman, goes on tour courtesy of Dancing Fool Theatrical Ltd., in association with Harlow Playhouse.
Packed with original songs, dazzling costumes and dynamic choreography, this new production will revisit the original stage version of Copacabana, which was first performed in the U.S. in 1991. Featuring Manilow hits including Dancin’ Fool, Who Needs to Dream, Welcome to Havana and, of course, the Grammy Award-winning Copacabana (At The Copa), this production will have audience members dancing in the aisles.
The story of Copacabana has captivated millions of spectators around the globe. This tale of romance and stardom features aspiring songwriter Tony working as a pianist in a bar when he meets the gorgeous Lola, who is determined to make it in showbiz. Quickly falling for Lola, Tony does everything he can to assist her attempts to find stardom. At Manhattan’s Copacabana Lounge both start to find fame, before fate steps in and Lola is swept away to Havana to work in a splashy night club, but Lola’s new mentor and boss Rico may demand a price for putting her name in lights.
Barry Manilow said: “I’m honoured that Copacabana will return to the U.K. stage and send my wishes for success to Jon, Jimmy, and the entire company.”
Jimmy Osmond shot to world fame with his siblings as the youngest member of The Osmonds, who performed together for over 50 years. Together they have sold over 100 million records worldwide, earning more than 53 gold and platinum records, as well as many other prestigious awards and honours including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As a solo artist, Jimmy has be awarded six gold records, one platinum record and two gold albums. His recent theatre credits include Grease, Chicago, Boogie Nights and Cinderella.
One seventh of pop act S Club 7, Jon Lee and the group dominated the charts for five years – making No 1 records across the world, including four in the U.K. As well as international record sales of over 13 million, the band had their own television show which ran for four seasons and was shown in 110 countries, and won countless awards including two Brit Awards. Jon’s theatre credits include Jersey Boys, Aladdin, Les Misérables and Love Shack. Jon also appeared in the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert at The O2.
Canadian born Jennifer Harding is a graduate of George Brown Theatre College, Toronto, and RADA. As a vocalist she has worked with artists including Debbie Gibson, rock group Toto and guitarist Jeff Healey. Theatre credits include Songs from the Playground and Boogie Wonderland.
Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan said: “The St Helens Theatre Royal programme grows in quality and diversity year on year, so we’re delighted to offer audiences such an iconic show such as Copacabana. We’re thrilled that our popular venue starts the 2015 UK tour of the show, and this will be the first chance theatregoers will have to see Jimmy Osmond as part of the hit musical.”
Tickets for Barry Manilow’s Copacabana are priced from £20. Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office Corporation Street, St. Helens (Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm). Alternatively, call 01744 756 000 or log on to: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com.