The 'Can't Smile Without You' hitmaker says that being unable to attend the show after waiting for 25 years is 'the cruelest thing' that's ever happened to him.
- Apr 14, 2022
AceShowbiz - Barry Manilow has revealed that he has gotten sick with COVID-19. The "Can't Smile Without You" hitmaker said that he is "heartbroken" as he had to skip his "Harmony" musical opening night.
On Wednesday, April 13, the 78-year-old musician made use of his Instagram account to share the news. "I am heartbroken to say that I have just tested positive for COVID-19 and won't be able to attend tonight's opening night performance of my new musical, HARMONY," he wrote alongside a portrait of him.
"This just might be the cruelest thing that has ever happened to me: 25 years waiting for this show to premiere in New York and I can't attend," Barry admitted. The "Copacabana" crooner went on to say, "Even in the face of this pandemic, we New Yorkers remain the toughest, staunchest people on the planet." He then concluded his post by reminding his fans and followers to "put on a mask and go see a show."
Fans were quick to wish him a speedy recovery. "Feel better Mr.Manilow..Praying for a speedy recovery…," one fan commented. Another wrote in the comment section, "We love you. Please rest and take care yourself."
"Oh Barry, I'm so sorry! Watching the Harmony journey has been inspiring and heart wrenching," someone else chimed in. "I'm so sorry you can't be there tonight but you will certainly be there in spirit. Be well and take good care!" A fourth penned, "Oh Barry, that's just heartbreaking... I'm so sorry to hear this. Rest up and get well soon [red heart emoji] xx."
Directed by Warren Carlyle and presented by the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene at the Edmond J. Safra Hall at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the musical tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists. The musical ensemble featured six men who blended sophisticated close harmonies and uproarious stage antics. It took the world by storm between the late 1920s and early 1930s before the Nazi regime began its crackdown on Jewish artists, including several Comedian Harmonists' members.
Performances began on March 23 and will run through May 8 after the show's run was initially delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sean Bell ("A Bronx Tale: The Musical"), Danny Kornfeld ("Rent"), Zal Owen ("The Band's Visit"), Eric Peters ("Motown: The Musical"), Blake Roman ("Newsies: The Broadway Musical") and Steven Telsey ("The Book of Mormon") play the harmonists. Meanwhile, actress Jessie Davidson plays Ruth, Ana Hoffman ("Dreamgirls") stars as Josephine Baker, Sierra Boggess ("The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock") as Mary and Chip Zien ("Falsettos, Into the Woods") as elder Rabbi.
