Nostalgia Takes Center Stage: A Heartfelt Tribute to Olivia Newton-John at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands

Last night at the Marina Bay Sands, the Sands Theatre was alive with nostalgia as “Hopelessly Devoted: A Celebration of Olivia Newton-John” paid tribute to the legendary artist and her unforgettable career.

The concert was only available in Singapore for two sessions yesterday, one in the afternoon and in the evening, opening and closing on the same day.

Hosted by Olivia’s niece, Tottie Goldsmith, the evening brought together fans of all ages, but it was the seniors in the audience who truly reveled in the experience, many standing up to sing and dance during the final numbers, “Xanadu” and “You’re the One That I Want.”

I will be honest that I only got to know of Olivia through the 1978 hit movie, Grease, with John Travolta. This was two years before I was even born. From the show, I fell in love with the catchy tunes of classics like You’re the One That I Want and Hopelessly Devoted to You.

Her other smoking hit song, Physical, I know the latter, Kylie Minogue’s version better.

You have to be a certain vintage to have grew up listening to Olivia’s musics, but many fans like me discovered her talents later.

The atmosphere was electric from the start, with Olivia’s greatest hits performed one after one by international singers accompanied by the Base Philharmonic Orchestra under the skilled baton of conductor Jessica Gethin.

The experience of hearing everything performed live, including in the accompanying orchestra music enhances the enjoyment vastly.

Each song brought the audience closer to the magic that Olivia Newton-John created throughout her storied career, with many reminiscing about the years when her music dominated airwaves. There were at least a dozen elderly couples seated around us in the theatre and we witnessed first-hand how much they enjoyed the songs, reminiscing with their loved ones beside them on their fond memories of each song.

The concert was not only a tribute to her musical legacy but also to her advocacy work, as Olivia’s life was a testament to resilience and grace, from her chart-topping hits to her fight against cancer. In between songs, Tottie shared many personal anecdotes of her relationships with Olivia and the latter’s personal life. For many in the audience, the night was a bittersweet reminder of her passing in August 2022, but also a celebration of her enduring impact.

As the final chords of “I do I do I do” from the song, “Xanadu”, echoed through the theatre, the sight of audience members on their feet, dancing and singing with joy, demonstrated how deeply Olivia Newton-John touched lives across generations.

For those who missed this moving tribute, keep an eye out for more upcoming shows at Marina Bay Sands by Base Entertainment Asia, as they continue to bring world-class performances to Singapore’s shores. Next up, is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless classic, The Phantom of the Opera.