Hopelessly Devoted: A Celebration of Olivia Newton-John

This tribute to Australia’s beloved Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE did more than reprise and celebrate the songs she is so well known for; it gave the audience a chance to grieve her loss and acknowledge her contribution to cancer care in Melbourne. The performers and audience basked in the wonderful songs Olivia Newton-John gave us and the stories the performers shared brought her shining presence into the concert hall.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jessica Gethin lived up their reputation for excellence providing engaging, energetic and sensitive interpretations of the music ranging from full throated orchestral passages to tender piano accompaniments. The band including Troy Downward, Craig Newan, Kieran Rafferty and Grant Windsor added a rock and roll sensibility when needed.

The performers, David Campbell, Georgina Hopson and Christie Whelan Browne brought the songs alive and told stories about her influence on them and their contacts with Olivia in various performances. They shared how she carried them through being starstruck into strong musical partnerships. Jess Hitchcock, whose voice and performance shone, added a profound comment about the pathway Olivia had made for performers who want an international career.

Tottie Goldsmith, Olivia’s niece shared in a very personal way and highlighted the importance of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness Centre to wholistic cancer care in Australia.

Olivia has always seemed to be one of our musical luminaries even though she spent much of her life overseas. In her final years, her commitment to providing extra treatment opportunities for people living with cancer has left us with a permanent reminder of her quality as a human being. This show captured it all.

Ruth Richter

Photographer: Nico Keenan