Beyonce backs Barry Manilow musical

Beyonce Knowles has emerged as an unlikely backer for Barry Manilow's new musical Harmony.

Manilow has been trying to secure financial backing for the stage show for the past two years and has held several private presentations for potential investors.

According to British magazine Now, Jennifer Lopez turned down the opportunity, but Knowles has handed over an undisclosed sum of money which should help the musical, which is set in pre-World War II Germany.