Copacabana: Musical cast

Copacabana Cast - Broadway musical

Music By: Barry Manilow Lyrics By: Bruce Sussman & Jack Feldman Book By: Barry Manilow, Jack Feldman & Bruce Sussman Directed By: Max Rayner Musical Director: Gordon Combes Choreographer: Carmel Vistoli

Cast of Copacabana (Musical).

This update is focused on the cast list of Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, with added detail, specificity, and fresh relevance.

Principal Roles Across Productions.

The characters at the heart of "Copacabana" represent two mirrored realities—one in the postwar glamor of 1947 New York, and the other in the quieter, present-day life of a songwriter searching for inspiration. Over the years, a constellation of performers has illuminated these dual worlds.

• Stephen/Tony Forte: The dual role has attracted powerhouse tenors and Broadway baritones. Sean Sullivan originated the part in Atlantic City (1990). Gary Wilmot brought a cheeky warmth in London (1994), while Franc D'Ambrosio, known for "Phantom of the Opera", gave the role operatic weight in the 2000 US tour.
• Samantha/Lola La Mar: From Hillary Turk’s original portrayal to Nicola Dawn’s elegant West End performance, Lola’s transformation from hopeful ingenue to Havana's captive starlet has been vivid. Darcie Roberts in the 2000s gave Lola a Broadway soprano edge. Jennifer Harding was the 2014 UK tour’s Lola, bringing subtle modern vulnerability.
• Rico Castelli: The villainous nightclub owner was first played by Lou DeMeis. Later, Philip Hernandez in the US tour brought smoldering intensity. Robert Cuccioli, a veteran of "Jekyll & Hyde", embodied Rico in 2009 with sinister charm.
• Conchita Alvarez: From Kay Freeman to the legendary Terry Burrell, Conchita has always needed fierce dramatic chops. She’s part torch singer, part wounded muse.
• Sam Silver and Gladys Murphy: These comic relief roles evolved into emotional anchors. Gavin MacLeod (TV’s "The Love Boat") gave Sam gravitas in 2000. Beth McVey and Jenny Logan brought vaudeville sass to Gladys.

International and Touring Highlights.

• Jon Lee, a former S Club 7 pop star, brought pop charisma to the 2014 UK tour as Tony.
• Andreas Langsch played Tony in the German premiere (2016), with Julia Harneit as a richly emotive Lola.
• In Sweden (2005), John Martin Bengtsson translated and starred as Tony/Stephen.

Notable Casting Choices.

• Chandra Lee Schwartz, known for *Wicked*, starred as Lola in the 2009 PCLO revival.
• Tony Yazbeck, later a Tony nominee for *On the Town*, brought a dancer's finesse as Tony in 2009.
• Sharon Sexton, praised for *Bat Out of Hell*, portrayed a fiery Conchita in the 2014 UK tour.

Last Update:May, 09th 2025