Selection and arrangements key to Olivia's success
LAS VEGAS Olivia Newton-John offered an excellent selection of material and outstanding arrangements at her show at the Riviera Hotel.
Bacaea by an orchestra and three female singers, Olivia utilized the entire stage to present a collection of slow, moving ballads and bouncy uptempo numbers.
The best received songs were ones in which she has enjoyed her most commercial success “Let Me Be There, “Have You Never Been Mellow” and “Please, Mister, Please.” Dinner guests felt free to sing and clap along throughout the performance, and indeed, were encouraged to do so by the lovely songstress.
Newton-John’s rapport with her audience and her movement on stage helped captivate the packed show- room. Looking stunning in a lavender and pink gown, the blonde, blue-eyed singer danced, strutted and pranced her way through a well-balanced set. She cavorted easily with the patrons between songs, setting up a relaxed, informal atmosphere. But her smile would have been enough to maintain the attention of the male members of the audience.
To vary the pace Olivia presented mime artists Shields and Yarnell. She participated in a series of pantomimes with the duo that were thoroughly delightful. Shields and Yarnell performed well during their opening set, highlighted by their popular routine, “Robots eating breakfast.” They injected one singing number, that seemed out of place and unnecessary, but showed versatility.
There was no question, though, that Olivia Newton-John was the star of the show. Her easy manner won over skeptics while pleasing her most ardent fans.
Olivia’s closing number was, appropriately, “I Honestly Love You.” After her performance, the feeling was mutual.