Topping the bill

Aug 8 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

AFTER the resounding success of Blood Brothers, Joseph and Evita, Bill Kenwright is to bring two more hit musicals to the Liverpool Empire for 2008.

This September sees the top theatre producer bring new musical Can’t Smile Without You and the critically acclaimed Cabaret to the city.

Running from September 15-20, Can’t Smile Without You is the new musical love story featuring all the timeless hits from music legend Barry Manilow.

An aspiring young band on a visit to New York come across an opportunity not to be missed – auditions for the latest reality TV show to find the next pop music sensation.

When the TV company offers lead singer Tony a chance to appear on the show, the other band members give him their unconditional blessing.

But before Tony can realise his dream, he is caught up in a tragic sequence of events which leave him fighting for his life.

Left with no memory, his dreams are all but shattered. His only hope lies in the power of the music he loves and his feelings for a girl he once knew called Mandy.

Barry Manilow is one of the most successful music artists of all time. He has sold more than 75 million records worldwide and at the height of his success he had five albums on the best-seller charts in the US.

This new musical, fully endorsed by Manilow and his music executive Garry Kief, includes more than 30 of Barry’s hit songs including Could it be Magic, It’s a Miracle, I Write the Songs, Mandy, I Made it Through the Rain, Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again and of course Can’t Smile Without You as well as many more.

Running from September 21-27, Bill Kenwright’s multi award-winning production of Cabaret with a star cast including world renowned dancer and TV favourite Wayne Sleep as the Emcee.

Since its Broadway premiere in 1966 and the famous movie version with Liza Minnelli, Michael York and Joel Grey, Cabaret has won a staggering number of stage and screen awards including 8 Oscars, 7 Baftas and 13 Tonys.

For more information, ring the box office on 0844 847 2525 or visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk