Photo: Getty Images
Last night at Carnegie Hall, Aussie actor Simon Burke hosted "G'Day USA: Australia Plays Broadway," part of a week of shameless and celebratory self-promotion for Australian tourism (did anyone see their longest advertisement ever, directed by Baz Luhrmann, earlier this winter?) including crooner David Campbell, rocker Jimmy Barnes, twin cellists Pei-Jee and Pei-Sian Ng, and the 70-member Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
But the reason we here at Popnography were super juiced is we got to see Grease star and 80's pop sensation Olivia Newton John! Appearing with her (third) husband, Amazon Herb Co. owner John Easterling, Olivia looked stunning with her expertly dyed blond tresses cascading over her impressively tasteful stage makeup (who knew that was even possible?) and a sparkly black sequin blouse worn over an equally dark pencil skirt. She came across as delighted and fresh, whether backstage (where she refused all questions -- for shame Ms. Newton John! How are we supposed to confirm that "Physical" truly is the best song to get down to -- or at least the hottest video to ... um ... er ... watch alone before bed?) or center stage.
Olivia ended the the first act of the show by telling us, in her adorable Aussie drawl, about the multi-million dollar cancer hospital she is raising money to build in Melbourne. We knew she was still sexy and chic -- but philanthropic too? Then, after 18 acts, Olivia retook the stage to perform "I Love You, I Honestly Love You," and part of the "Peter Allen Medley" and it was clear the Pink Lady still has what it takes to bring a crowd to its feet -- and a homo to his knees.
-- JOSEPH ALEXIOU
Previously > Give 'em L!
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