Let’s hear memories, memories, I wanna hear memories—let’s get into memories. … Rather than get physical, opt for Summer Nights as a classy salute to the career of Olivia Newton-John in which the Aussie songbird takes us on a joyride through her hits-laden career.
Aside from video screens flashing highlights of her life, plus light production touches, Newton-John opts for simplicity over spectacle—a lady, a microphone, a band and a modest complement of backup dancers, underscored by the star’s easygoing elegance and charm.
And oh, the melodic memories, rendered in full and medley form, delivered in her blend of ethereal sweetness and emotional intimacy: There’s the country catalog (“If You Love Me Let Me Know”); the Xanadu collection (“Magic”); soft-pop pleasers (“I Honestly Love You”); and a teasing ballad opening morphing into the raucous “Physical,” her naughty nod to carnality.
Timeless classics provide refreshing pauses, including “Over the Rainbow,” a smoky-voiced interpretation of “Cry Me a River” and an achingly fragile “Send In the Clowns.”
Highlighting the night is the Grease segment, brimming with movie clips and featuring live renditions of “You’re the One That I Want,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “We Go Together” and an audience sing-a-long to “Summer Nights,” aided by on-screen lyrics. Infusing it all with radiant warmth, the star proves why we’re still hopelessly devoted.
Flamingo, 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat., starting at $70, $350 meet and greet, tax and fee. 702.777.2782
