Olivia Newton-John Makes It A Hot Summer Night

Concert Review
Olivia Newton-John
Seneca Niagara Events Center
Niagara Falls, NY
Saturday July 23, 2016
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

It had been over a decade since Olivia Newton-John last played the Buffalo/Niagara region. Saturday night the superstar put on a gem of a show that featured a good chunk of the songs she is known for. The hot summer became even hotter when Olivia took the stage at the Seneca Niagara Casino. She broke the night into segments playing an 80s segment, a country set that features her hits of the 70s, an environmental segment and of course a section of the show dedicated to Grease.

The night began with “Magic” as Olivia explained it was a different, slower version before launching into the Jeff Lynne penned smash “Xanadu”.

“Suddenly” the duet she did with Cliff Richard was still performed as a duet alongside talented background singer Steve Real.

Olivia announced it was “time to rock” as she delved into a few songs she doesn’t always get a chance to play. “Twist Of Fate” and “A Little More Love” highlighted this portion to a really good response from the crowd.

For me the best performance of the night was next as Olivia played one of her number one hits in “Have You Never Been Mellow”. The song was not only performed to perfection, it also was a testament to how well her singing voice still is.

“Does anybody like country music?” she asked as she started the seventies country portion of the show. She began with “Changes” which was a welcome addition to the set as well as the first song she wrote. “Please Mr. Please” and “Let Me Be There” also highlighted this section of the show.

“You’re The One That I Want” started the ever-popular “Grease” segment as multi-instrumentalist Warren Ham sang the John Travolta part of the duet. Ham as Olivia had pointed out was fresh off the Ringo Starr tour and is a very in demand musician. “Hopelessly Devoted To You” and “Summer Nights” also had the crowd singing along.

Overall the show had a little something for everyone. The way the show was designed worked out quite well as it showed Olivia’s journey from the start of her music career and highlighted all the significant areas. Olivia has really done it all. She has had success in several genres of music, been a successful actress, a mother, a breast cancer survivor as well as an environmental activist who really cares about preserving the earth and its wildlife. Saturday evening her fans shared in the joy of a celebrated artist that was very deserving of all the accolades she has achieved during a brilliant career.

Set List

Magic
Xanadu
Deeper Than the Night
Suddenly
Make a Move on Me / A Little More Love / Twist of Fate
Have You Never Been Mellow