Copacabana The Musical

Book by: Barry Manilow, Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman
Lyrics by: Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman
Music by: Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow’s Copacabana presents the story of Lola as told through the eyes of Stephen, a present day aspiring songwriter who dreams up the 1947 story of an ingenue who arrives in New York with show-biz aspirations. Tony falls in love with Lola and helps her become a Copa girl. While performing, Lola attracts the amorous attentions of Rico. Rico abducts Lola and takes her to his rival nightclub in Havana. Tony, with the help of his Copacabana friends, must rescue her. The music is a mixture of latin rhythm & big band.

There are several large production numbers, most characters must dance well.

Audition Preparation Suggestions for Copacabana

When choosing an audition song, look for an uptempo Barry Manilow or similar 70s pop song.

Some songs from other shows that fit this style are:
Nina – OH, COWARD
Push The Button – JAMAICA
Arthur In The Afternoon – THE ACT
Life With Harold – THE FULL MONTY

Stephen

A young songwriter, who doubles as Tony in 1947

Samantha

Stephen's wife, who doubles as Lola La Mar in 1947

 

1947 Characters
Tony Forte (Low Tenor, 20s, dance)

Young, good-looking and talented. A struggling songwriter by day, by night he works as a bartender at the Copacabana.

Lola La Mar (Alto-Mezzo, 20s, dance)

A young, pretty girl who is desperate to become a Broadway star. Ambitious yet naive.

Gladys Murphy (Mezzo, 30s-40s)

A cheeky, warm-hearted, wise-cracking ex-dancer, now cigarette girl at the Copacabana.

Sam Silver (40s)

The gruff but kind manager of the Copacabana.

Rico Castelli (Baritone, Cuban accent, 30s)

An elegant but dangerous gangster who manages The Tropicana in Havana.

Conchita Alvarez (Alto, Cuban accent, 20s, dance)

A Latina bombshell of the first order and Rico's long-suffering partner/girlfriend.

McManus

A New York cop of Irish descent.

Cameos: Willie (waiter), Skip (choreographer), Maitre D', Coat Check Girl, Piano Accompanist, a back-of-house voice, Mr. Brill (a music publisher), Luis (Rico's guard), Carlos (a trapeze performer), Announcer at The Tropicana, Veronica Lake, escort
Chorus: Show Girls, Show Boys, Copa Girls, Copa Boys, Tropicana Boys, Tropicana Girls, Pirates, Pirettes, Cops, Waiters, Busboys, Sailors, Fancy Gents, Thugs, Auditioners, Commuters, Porters, Rosie the Riveter, a Nurse, a WAC, a WAVE, a Salvation Army Sergeant, Two Goons, Dancers, etc.

• Copacabana (Stephen, Company)
• Just Arrived (Lola, Women)
• Dancin’ Fool (Tony, Copa Boys)
• Sweet Heaven (Tony, Copa Girls and Boys)
• How Can I Ever Thank You? (Male Auditioner)
• The Jingle (Tony, Two Girls)
• The Audition (Lola)
• Changin’ My Tune (Tony)
• When You’re A Copa Girl (Gladys)
• Man Wanted (Lola)
• Who Needs To Dream? (Tony, Women)
• I Gotta Be Bad (Lola, Copa Girls)
• Bolero De Amor (Rico, Chorus)
• Welcome To Havana (Conchita, Chorus)
• Ay Caramba! (Conchita, Chorus)
• Who Am I Kidding? (Sam, Willie, McManus, Gladys, Two Showgirls)
• This Can’t Be Real (Lola, Stephen)
• El Bravo (Lola, Pirates)
• Finale (Stephen, Company)
• Copacabana Finale (Stephen, Company)