Barry Manilow's beloved holiday production, "A Very Barry Christmas," is making a triumphant return to the Westgate's International Theater, delighting audiences with his timeless hits and festive favorites. Meanwhile, the Neonopolis entertainment complex in downtown Las Vegas is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with new businesses and attractions breathing life into the iconic destination.Unwrapping the Joy of "A Very Barry Christmas"
Manilow's Seasonal Spectacular
Barry Manilow, the legendary singer-songwriter, is bringing his "A Very Barry Christmas" show back to the Westgate's International Theater for two sets of performances in December. The shows will run from December 5-7 and December 12-14, and the production will also be aired on NBC at 10 p.m. on December 19, allowing fans across the country to enjoy Manilow's holiday magic.Backed by a bolstered horn section, Manilow will delight audiences with his signature hits, including "Copacabana," "Mandy," "I Write the Songs," and "Looks Like We Made It." The holiday collection will feature beloved classics like "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Jingle Bells," creating a festive and nostalgic atmosphere.
A Year-Long Residency
The 81-year-old Brooklyn native has announced an entire year of performances at the Westgate's International Theater, beginning on February 13-15. The schedule will run Thursday through Saturday each month, with the exception of July, culminating in a final set of shows on December 11-13. In total, Manilow will perform 48 dates, solidifying his status as a must-see attraction in Las Vegas.Manilow's commitment to the Westgate's International Theater is a testament to the enduring popularity of his music and the strong connection he has forged with his loyal fans. "We're sold out night after night after night, and the audiences are just great," Manilow said in a recent interview, as he closed in on Elvis Presley's record of 636 shows at the venue.
Ticket Information
Tickets for Manilow's "A Very Barry Christmas" and his year-long residency at the Westgate's International Theater are now on sale at the WestgateResorts.com website, starting at 10 a.m. Pacific time on July 19. Fans are encouraged to act quickly, as these highly anticipated performances are expected to sell out rapidly.
Neonopolis: A Downtown Destination Reborn
As Manilow's Christmas production captivates audiences, the Neonopolis entertainment complex in downtown Las Vegas is also undergoing a remarkable transformation, thanks to the tireless efforts of its owner, Rohit Joshi.
A Ribbon-Cutting Farewell
The final ribbon-cutting ceremony of outgoing Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman's third and final term took place at Neonopolis on Thursday, as she officially opened the new Hush Puppy Restaurant, the downtown outpost of the original eatery on West Charleston Boulevard. Joining Goodman were Neonopolis owner Rohit Joshi, Hush Puppy co-owners Magdy and Eloise Amer, and outgoing Las Vegas Ward 6 City Councilman Cedric Crear.Goodman expressed a sense of nostalgia as she cut the ribbon, reflecting on the journey of Neonopolis and the perseverance of Joshi, who has continued to breathe new life into the complex. "Fortunately for us, Joshi took this place under his wing," Goodman said. "He said, 'I'm going to build this thing if it's the last thing I do.'"
A Revitalized Destination
Neonopolis, which was developed during Jan Jones Blackhurst's tenure as Las Vegas mayor and opened in May 2002, has undergone numerous iterations over the years. While some businesses have come and gone, Joshi has remained steadfast in his commitment to the complex, battling early closings and air-conditioning issues to transform it into a thriving entertainment hub.Today, Neonopolis is 90% leased and opened, with a diverse array of businesses and attractions. Two of the complex's favorite entertainment venues, Notoriety Live and Don't Tell Mama, are part of the Neonopolis family, and even the elevator ride at the complex has become an interactive entertainment experience.Councilman Cedric Crear praised Joshi's efforts, describing him as "the best salesman I've ever known." Goodman echoed these sentiments, expressing her confidence in Joshi's ability to continue expanding the Neonopolis footprint, even as she departs from her mayoral duties.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Manilow's Christmas production and the revitalization of Neonopolis converge, the future of entertainment in Las Vegas looks brighter than ever. Manilow's loyal fanbase and the renewed energy at Neonopolis promise to create a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors and locals alike, solidifying Las Vegas' reputation as a premier destination for world-class entertainment.
