Olivia's hot date
Olivia Newton-John didn’t realise she would be close to 50 when it happened, but she is thrilled to have scored a ‘hot date’ with a man she has adored since she was a teenager.
This is an offer too good to pass up, Olivia tells New Idea. The star says she didn’t have to think twice when invited to lean up with Australia’s best-loved recording artist -John Farnham.
The two stars are going to be louring Australia together for two months, as part of The Main Event concert series.
“I’ve adored John since I was a teenager,” says Olivia. “I’ve always wanted to perform with him, so I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to do this.”
As a bonus, the two stars will share the bill with Australia’s master of the musical stage, Anthony Warlow - whose many triumphs include the smash hit, The Phantom Of The Opera.
“I don’t know Anthony Warlow’s work,” says Olivia, “but I hear he’s wonderful. And I love being the only girl.”
Olivia and Anthony both had their careers interrupted in 1992-and both with the shock news that they had cancer.
Anthony was diagnosed with lymphoma and was forced to withdraw from the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar.
After fearing he would never sing again, he made a full recovery and was named Male Musical Theatrical Performer Of The Year in 1995.
Anthony has just finished a successful tour in the hit musical Grease - The Arena Spectacular for the same producers who have now put together The Main Event.
The three legendary stars (pictured above, with Anthony on the right) will be supported by a 40-piece orchestra and the backing of the Farnham Band.
The Main Event kicks off in Melbourne on October 28 before moving to Hobart, Newcastle, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
Olivia, who is currently on a safari holiday in Africa with her daughter Chloe, 12, plans to arrive here early in October.
“I’m hoping to have Chloe over for at least part of the tour,” Olivia explains. “And I’m looking forward to seeing my mum. It’s going to be great”
The tour is a triumph for Olivia, who once believed she would never perform on stage again after the death of her father, being diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago and then her divorce from former husband Matt Lattanzi.
“I suffered dreadful nerves,” she says. “But Cliff (Richard) talked me into joining him in concert. Working with him was a wonderful warm-up.”
For The Main Event, Olivia says she will perform “a mix of numbers old and new - solos, duets and some we’ll all be doing. It’s going to be fun.”