If you go

Olivia Newton-John

What:

Actress and singer to perform with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

When:

8 p.m. Nov. 9

Where:

Miller Auditorium, WMU campus

Cost:

$25-$90

Contact:

269-387-2300,

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Olivia Newton-John is responsible for some of the most memorable moments in film and music over her career spanning more than four decades.

From "Grease" to getting "Physical," the English-Australian performer is a household name who is looking ahead to a big couple months.

On Nov. 13, she will release her holiday collaboration with "Grease" co-star John Travolta. Called, "This Christmas," the 13-track album will feature the new duet, "I Think You Might Like It," written by "Grease" songwriter John Farrar.

In celebration of 40 years in the music industry, Newton-John will tour England in March, the first time she's toured there since 1978.



Before any of that, you can see the four-time Grammy Award winner perform her hits, including "Xanadu" and "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and more, with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Miller Auditorium.

Newton-John answered some of our questions via email prior to her show. You can also enter to win tickets to the concert and backstage passes to meet her on MLive.com.



JL: Your new album with John Travolta is due out a week after the Kalamazoo performance. Talk about your relationship with him and why did you decided to do a Christmas album? What can you tell us about "I Think You Might Like It"?

Olivia Newton-John: I am so excited about this project. John and I have remained very close friends ever since we did Grease. Last Christmas I was told that "You're the One That I Want" was named the #1 duet in history and, during a text chat with John letting him know he said "we should record a Christmas song." Of course I said yes. Then a month later we saw each at an event for Qantas and he said, "how about an entire CD of Christmas songs." From that I added that we should do it as a charity CD donating all of our artist royalties to The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center and his Jett Travolta Foundation, in honor of his son. The CD was such a joy to make and we have some wonderful other guests who joined us - Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Kenny G, Chick Corea, Cliff Richard and Tony Bennett. One of my favorite songs is the only "original" song written for the CD, "I Think You Might Like It." John Farrar, my dear friend and songwriter/producer of most of my hits (he wrote "You're The One That I Want" and "Hopelessly Devoted to You," among others), wrote the song and it captures so much fun and joy! Having that reunion as well, with John and John - made the project even more special!

JL: What do you think of Maredith Walker, aka "Ryan Girl," and her YouTube hit, "Let's Get Fiscal"? Does the staying power of "Physical" still surprise you?

ONJ: I have been traveling so much I haven't had a chance to see that video. As for Physical, I think the staying power of any song is that it is a good song! I have really been blessed in my career with some wonderful songwriters and in turn, songs! A few years ago I appeared on GLEE and, Jane Lynch and I did a remake of the song that was very popular - someone told me it was in the Top 100 when it was released. First, walking on the set of GLEE the day we filmed it was surreal as they had recreated the entire original set from the music video. It was bizarre - but fun!

JL: Talk about performing your hits with an orchestra. How does it change what you do and how you deliver the songs?

ONJ: I really love performing with an orchestra and am very excited to do so with the Kalamazoo Symphony! I am lucky to have the greatest band and when you add a symphony orchestra to the mix it brings all of my songs to a whole new level. I wouldn't say I really change what I do but, having those talented musicians behind me, along with my band, really makes the songs so much bigger and more fun to sing! I really can't wait as it is such a treat to have them there - and they are all so talented!

JL: You've already suggested a couple stars to portray Sandy if a remake of "Grease" was ever considered, but do you think it could live up to the original?

ONJ: Well, I've said my daughter Chloe for sure, and I think Taylor Swift would make a great Sandy. I am not sure any remake could ever live up to the original. There was so much magic on that set and with that time - it was the 70s, making a movie about the 50s - so, I am not sure how that would work today! I guess if someone really thought it was a good idea to do a remake it would have been done already but, it's been almost 35 years and we still only have the original! That film is special to so many people and I love seeing young girls and their parents and grandparents at my concerts all loving the music from Grease when I perform those songs (and yes, I do perform a bunch of them!).

JL: 2013 will mark 40 years in the music industry for you. What have your learned about the industry and yourself over that time? What are some of your highlights?

ONJ: I have had someone wonderful things happen to me during my career and lifetime. Of course, personally, the birth of my daughter is the highlight of my life. Chloe is such a beautiful and talented young woman today and I am so proud. As for the industry, it has certainly changed. I think with all of these television shows and YouTube and the internet, you have so much less time to develop as an artist and perfect your craft. So many things today are "instant" and, that's not always a good thing. For me I have learned to enjoy everything, especially performing live, so much more. I used to get horrible stage fright when I was younger and today and just love to sing for anyone who still turns up at my shows! (Laughing.) As for highlights, of course "Grease" changed my life and I will always be grateful for that experience. Singing at the Opening Ceremonies of the Sydney Olympics in 2000 was amazing and, probably the highlight of this decade is the opening of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in my hometown of Melbourne, Australia. As a breast cancer "thriver" for over 20 years - this is probably the accomplishment I am most proud of and, what I hope to leave as my legacy. (OliviaAppeal.com)

John Liberty can be reached at 269-370-7372 or jlibert1@mlive.com. Follow me on Twitter @JohnTLiberty