Let Me Be There

Olivia Newton-John is magic. I'm not talking about the David Copperfield/Doug Henning type of magic, but more of a general feeling of indescribable power that emanates from her like the glow from a wizard's talisman. Her career has spanned decades. Starting off in the early '70s with a soft rock sound—with some slight country flavor mixed in for good measure—big hits seemed to pop out one after another. If you think her career started with "Hopelessly Devoted to You," then go ask your mom about "Have You Never Been Mellow." Newton-John continued on into the late '70s and early '80s weaving even more magic. Everyone from your grandmother to your little sister recognizes her from Grease, and the video for "Physical" was a masterpiece of surreal homoerotic cinema. But to most of the people I hang out with, her crowning magical achievement was her involvement in a little movie called Xanadu; the most mind-blowingly bizarre film ever to strap on a pair of roller skates. Words can't even begin to describe the majestic glory of this overblown musical fantasy. Rent it now. But if you want to feel the power in person this is your opportunity. Not often does the goddess Olivia grace our fair city with her golden-voiced presence. An Evening With Olivia Newton-John takes place Sunday at Nokia Theatre, 1001 Performance Drive in Grand Prairie. Tickets are $45 to $65. Call 214-373-8000 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Sun., Dec. 10