Sheffield Star Nov 20, 2002
"Could it be magic?
Barry Manilow's tropicana classic Copacabana was the inspiration for the musical of the same name.
And the tale of music and passion in the 1940's swinging nightclub scene was colourfully enacted by the Sheffield Teachers' Operatic Society.
Her name was Lola ... his was Tony, and they fell hopelessly in love amidst the glitz and glamour of New York and Havana.
... memorable performances were by Sue McCormick as ex-Copa Girl Gladys Murphy and Phil Brownhill as Copacabana owner Sam Silver. Acted like a couple married for countless years, the chemistry between the pair was perfect.
Keeley Pitchford, as glamourous Havana singer Conchita Alvarez, was note perfect - belting out Havana Caramba in full Hispanic accent.
The brand new costumes, which cost thousands to create, and the dream-like set were fantastically bright and eye-catching.
But it was the finale that stole the show. In various glitzy outfits from throughout the show, the full cast danced and sung their hearts out to Manilow's finest slice of kitsch pop - Copacabana."
Sheffield Telegraph, November 22, 2002
"This is an extremely poplular musical. Fortunately, Sheffield Teachers' Operatic Soceity have come up with a staging that should please the most avid fan.
Why it is so popular is a bit of a mystery. Its plot-line is thin and its music is largely shallow. Can it simply be Barry Manilow's name?
If the title song, staged as a sort of encore, Sweet Heaven which is reprised, and This Can't Be Real are taken out, there's not much left muically.
Manilow wrote the musical following the huge success of his hit single Copacabana as a tribute to the golden age of 1940's musicals.
Much of the music, such as it is, belongs more to the 1980's despite the Carmen Miranda headgear. Actually, the costuming is colourfully impressive.
The spectacular, big dance routines which keep the show alive are visually very 1940's - the Fred and Ginger number, This Can't be Real, is obvious - and all are splendidly executed to choreography by the show's director Michael A Kirkby.
Mark Harris (Stephen/Tony), Louise Radcliffe (Lola), Sue McCormick (Gladys), Phil Brownhill (Sam Silver) and Andy Green (Rico) are excellent but the star turn is Keeley Pitchford as Conchita. Her Havana Caramba is superb."