By admin 
INTRODUCTION
On the morning of 01/01/2026, as the first light of the New Year swept across the American landscape, a digital portal quietly opened, signaling the transition of a thirty-year creative obsession into a permanent fixture of the global theatrical canon. “Harmony,” the musical drama composed by Barry Manilow with book and lyrics by his longtime collaborator Bruce Sussman, has officially moved from the exclusive confines of Broadway to the universal availability of the international licensing market. This strategic release, managed through the newly launched “Licensing House,” represents more than a financial transaction; it is the definitive institutionalization of Manilow’s artistic legacy, ensuring that his voice remains audible even as he steps back from the physical demands of the global arena.
THE DETAILED STORY
The narrative of “Harmony” is one of profound patience and meticulous historical recovery. For over three decades, Manilow and Sussman refined the story of the Comedian Harmonists—a group of six extraordinarily gifted singers in 1920s Germany whose meteoric rise was met with the uncompromising friction of the 20th century’s darkest chapter. By choosing 01/01/2026 as the launch date for the musical’s wider licensing, the production team has signaled a new phase of cultural stewardship. Reports from theatrical circles in London and Sydney indicate that major international partners are already in active negotiations to mount professional productions by the summer of 2026. This trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic interest validates the universal nature of the show’s themes: the fragility of democracy and the redemptive power of the human voice.
The expansion into London’s West End and the prestigious stages of Sydney marks a significant paradigm shift for Manilow. While his residency at the Westgate Las Vegas and his “Last Southeast Concerts” rely on his physical presence and the ephemeral energy of live performance, the licensing of “Harmony” creates a self-sustaining ecosystem of intellectual property. Each new production—whether in a high-capacity professional house or a local community theater—serves as a fresh iteration of his creative philosophy. The Licensing House, under the leadership of industry veterans, is treating the musical as a flagship property, aiming to build a long-term roadmap that prioritizes historical integrity over short-term returns.
The stakes for this global rollout are inherently high. In an era where the music industry often favors jukebox nostalgia, “Harmony” offers a sophisticated, original score that demands a rigorous level of musicianship. By opening the licensing portal at the beginning of 2026, Manilow is essentially seeding his legacy across the globe. As international directors begin to interpret his melodies, the show transforms from a singular Broadway event into a living archive of a survivor’s spirit. The question that remains is not whether the music will endure, but how the varied cultures of the world will find their own harmony within the poignant, haunting notes of Manilow’s finest hour.