Some of the perks and luxuries of being a professional stand up comedian are the opportunities we get to perform as the opening act for many of the stars of yesterday and today. To this day I have worked with Kenny Rogers (one of the nicest people in the business but with his plastic surgery he looks like Joan Rivers with a beard), the Temptations (I got to sing “My Girl” with them and they dubbed me “White Chocolate”), Tanya Tucker (she, who wouldn’t come out of her tour bus after my set was done and they asked me to go back on), Dave Matthews (on a cruise to the Bahamas where a monsoon swept us all off Paradise Island), Chicago, Huey Lewis, Jay Black, Frankie Valli…the list goes on. But perhaps my favorite entertainer I got to share a stage with took place at the Westbury Music Fair on a July evening some years ago. Her name is Olivia Newton John.
From the moment I arrived with my family in tow, I knew we were in for a very special night. My daughters were in a state of shock because they were going to meet “Sandy” from “Grease.” When we were introduced backstage, it took her about two minutes to invite my girls into her dressing room to help her prepare for the concert, assisting with her hair, makeup and outfit. They were in heaven and she made them feel special, just as she did with me as I came off the stage after my set to a big hug and kiss from Olivia. Uh oh, those summer nights…
We kept in touch for a while but life goes by, my girls became women, and Olivia had some issues of her own to deal with; monumental issues that I am happy to say she survived with flying colors. She is touring again, which will no doubt, make her many fans ecstatic. We here in New Jersey now have a chance to see her as life returns to Atlantic City when she triumphantly returns to the Trump Taj Mahal this month. She is a joy onstage and you can feel the true personality and warmth come right through her songs. Do yourself a favor and go be entertained by someone who cares…about her audience, her adopted country and life in general. A true artist.
To get a real glimpse of who this woman is and learn more about her career and life visit her wonderful website…
www.olivianewton-john.com
Olivia Newton John will be performing in the Arena at Trump Taj Mahal on Saturday, November 17, 2012.
Show time is at 8pm, doors will open one hour prior. Ticket prices are $55, $35 & $19*
Tickets can be obtained by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420 or online at: