Copacabana

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Copacabana: A Technicolor Romance on the West End

"Copacabana," a musical with music by Barry Manilow, lyrics by Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman, and a book by the same trio, opened at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London’s West End on June 23, 1994. Running until September 9, 1996, for over 800 performances, it brought Manilow’s 1978 Grammy-winning hit to life in a full-scale stage production. Set in the glitzy 1940s, the show follows Stephen, a modern-day songwriter, as he imagines Tony, a bartender-composer, and Lola, a hopeful showgirl, navigating love and danger between New York’s Copacabana nightclub and Havana’s Tropicana. A love letter to classic musicals, it blended romance, comedy, and a pulsating score, captivating audiences with its nostalgic charm.

Origins and Development

The musical’s roots trace to Manilow’s 1985 TV film of the same name, itself inspired by his chart-topping song co-written with Sussman and Feldman. After a condensed stage version, "Barry Manilow Presents Copacabana," played Atlantic City in 1990-1991, the team expanded it into a $3 million production. Premiering at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal on March 21, 1994, it toured Manchester and Edinburgh before hitting the West End. Directed by Roger Redfarn with choreography by Dorian Sanchez, the show added a present-day framing device Stephen’s creative process layering new songs atop the original hit to craft a narrative of ambition, love, and rescue amid a Technicolor backdrop.

The West End Run

At the Prince of Wales Theatre, "Copacabana" starred Gary Wilmot as Tony/Stephen and Nicola Dawn as Lola, with a supporting cast including Richard Lyndon as Rico and Jenny Logan as Conchita. The production dazzled with Hugh Durrant’s costumes and Martin Grant’s sets, evoking the 1940s nightclub scene. Opening to strong advance sales, it ran for over two years, appealing to Manilow fans and theatergoers alike. After closing, it embarked on a UK tour through 1997, extending its reach. Though not a critical darling, its vibrant energy and loyal audience kept it thriving, marking it as an early jukebox musical success.

Musical and Theatrical Highlights

Manilow’s score, orchestrated with Andy Rumble, pulsed with hits like "Copacabana (At the Copa)" and new numbers such as "Just Arrived" and "Dancin’ Fool." The sultry "Bolero D’Amore" and upbeat "Havana/Caramba" transported audiences from New York to Cuba, while "This Can’t Be Real" added emotional depth to Stephen and Lola’s imagined bond. The staging leaned on splashy dance sequences and a 12-piece orchestra, amplifying the show’s retro flair. Wilmot’s dual role and Dawn’s radiant Lola anchored the spectacle, with the ensemble’s Copa Girls and Tropicana Dancers stealing scenes in feathers and sequins.

Beyond the West End

Post-West End, "Copacabana" toured the UK and later premiered in the US with Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera in 2000, directed by David Warren and starring Franc D’Ambrosio and Darcie Roberts. A US tour followed through 2001, but Broadway eluded it. The 1994 London cast recording preserved its sound, while a Swedish translation played Växjö in 2005. A 2014 UK tour faltered financially after a month, closing early. Despite its global jaunts, the musical found its strongest footing in regional and amateur productions, where its colorful story and familiar tunes continue to shine.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

"Copacabana" carved a niche as one of the first jukebox musicals, predating the genre’s boom with "Mamma Mia!" Its West End run showcased Manilow’s theatrical ambition, blending his pop legacy with a narrative that, while light on depth, delivered escapist joy. Critics found it frothy, but fans embraced its unabashed nostalgia and infectious rhythms. As of March 2025, its legacy endures in community theater and occasional revivals, a testament to its catchy hooks and the timeless allure of Lola’s Copa dreams a glittering footnote in London’s musical history.