Photo Flash: Olivia Newton-John Arrives in Las Vegas to Kick Off SUMMER NIGHTS Residency

By: Apr. 04, 2014
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In anticipation of her new Las Vegas residency, "Summer Nights," which kicks off on Tuesday, April 8, Olivia Newton-John arrived to her new home at Flamingo Las Vegas in a fashion that was just as iconic as the performer herself. On Wednesday, April 2, the city's newest headliner made a grand entrance to the center Strip property in the same 1949 Mercury "Hell's Chariot" that was featured in the movie Grease. Scroll down for photos!

Fans went wild for Olivia as she was greeted by fellow Las Vegas entertainers the Chippendales, dressed as T-Birds, and Jubilee showgirls, dressed as Pink Ladies, who accompanied the convertible up The LINQ's entrance to the Flamingo. Once she emerged from the car, she was presented with proclamations by Clark County Commissioner Tom Collins and Las Vegas Host Committee Chairman Oscar Goodman. Collins also presented Olivia with a "Key to the Las Vegas Strip" on behalf of Clark County, and Goodman presented her with an official Welcome to Las Vegas sign light bulb on behalf of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. Also in attendance was Flamingo Las Vegas Regional President Eileen Moore, whom Olivia gifted with her very own personalized Pink Ladies jacket.

The "Hell's Chariot," best known as the black Mercury convertible with flames that raced John Travolta's character Danny Zuko in the movie Grease, was brought to Las Vegas especially for this event by its owners, Scott Byrum and David DeSure. After being out of the public eye for more than 35 years, the car was recently fully restored back to its original condition by Dan Condon, owner of "The Shop," a full service street rod restoration shop in Palm Desert, Calif. For more information about the "Hell's Chariot", click here.

Opening inside the Donny & Marie Showroom on Tuesday, April 8, the beloved internationally-renowned singer-actress will take audiences on a musical journey through her life in film and music. The production, featuring an eight-piece band, will take fans on a journey through the celebrated singer, actress, songwriter and philanthropist's life and career. With more than 100 million albums sold, Olivia's successes include four Grammys, numerous Country Music, American Music, Billboard and People's Choice Awards, an Emmy Award, ten #1 hits and more than 15 top 10 singles. She is also proud to be the recipient of the Order of Australia honor and was bestowed the Order of the British Empire by the Queen. In 1978, her co-starring role with John Travolta in Grease catapulted Olivia into super-stardom and to date remains the most successful movie musical of all time. Commemorating its 35th anniversary last year, Grease is sure to play a significant role in Olivia's new show "Summer Nights."

The show will be a musical journey through the iconic artist's illustrious career featuring hits from her early years including "Have You Never Been Mellow," "Let Me Be There," "If You Love Me Let Me Know" and "I Honestly Love You," as well some of her favorites from Grease, "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "You're The One That I Want," and of course, "Summer Nights." Favorites and hits from her other movies, including Xanadu, as well as her '80s anthem and record breaking song "Physical," will keep the room dancing, while new songs from her recent Billboard hit album Grace and Gratitude are sure to warm the hearts of the entire audience.

Olivia's appeal seems to be timeless. With a career spanning more than four decades she is still a vibrant, creative individual adored by fans across the world. Throughout her career, the much-loved star has held many humanitarian and environmental causes close to her heart, particularly since the birth of her daughter Chloe. Olivia served as Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme, was the co-founder of Children's Health Environmental Coalition (now Healthy Child, Healthy World) and, in 1992 she created National Tree Day in Australia, which is responsible for planting more than 10 million trees since its beginning. In 2008 she married "Amazon John" Easterling and together they are spreading the word about the importance of preserving the Rainforest by serving on the board of the ACEER Organization (ACEER.org). With her life today focusing on health and wellness, she serves as the spokesperson for Trivita, a leading wellness company, and is the co-owner of the internationally award-winning Gaia Retreat and Spa near Byron Bay in Australia. Most recently she co-founded One Tree, One Child, an international school initiative with the goal of having every child under the age of ten plant at least one tree.

In 1992, Olivia was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her personal triumph against cancer led her to announce her partnership with the Austin Health and the creation of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre (ONJCWC) in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. After nearly ten years of fundraising close to $200 million, the ONJCWC opened its doors in 2012. The ONJCWC provides a comprehensive range of services and facilities for cancer treatment, education, training and research as well as a dedicated wellness center (oliviaappeal.com). Olivia is thrilled that a portion of every ticket sold to her Flamingo shows will benefit the ONJCWC. For more information visit OliviaNewton-John.com or follow her on Twitter @OliviaNJ.

Flamingo Las Vegas is proud to serve as the Las Vegas home for one of the world's most beloved entertainers and philanthropists. The performance schedule for Olivia Newton-John's "Summer Nights" is as follows: April: 8 - 12; May: 6 - 10, 27 - 31; July: 1 - 5, 29 - 31; and Aug: 1, 2, 5 - 9, 12 - 16, 19 - 23, 26 - 30. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $69, $99 and $139, and a special meet and greet package is available for $249. Additional service fees apply. Tickets are available at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office, by phone at (702) 777-2782 or (855) 234-7469 or by visiting flamingolasvegas.com. For groups of 10 or more call (866) 574-3851 or email EntertainmentGroupSales@Caesars.com.

Photo Credit: WireImage

Photo Flash: Olivia Newton-John Arrives in Las Vegas to Kick Off SUMMER NIGHTS Residency
Olivia Newton-John makes her official arrival to Flamingo Las Vegas

Photo Flash: Olivia Newton-John Arrives in Las Vegas to Kick Off SUMMER NIGHTS Residency
Olivia Newton-John makes her official arrival to Flamingo Las Vegas

Photo Flash: Olivia Newton-John Arrives in Las Vegas to Kick Off SUMMER NIGHTS Residency
Olivia Newton-John makes her official arrival to Flamingo Las Vegas

Photo Flash: Olivia Newton-John Arrives in Las Vegas to Kick Off SUMMER NIGHTS Residency
Olivia Newton-John makes her official arrival to Flamingo Las Vegas



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