Perspective: The singer’s turn in “Grease” came just as Generation X started having questions about everything having to do with sex, Hank Stuever writes. Tell us more, tell us more. And she did.
“Grease” was all those things and more, I suppose, depending on the viewer at the time. If, however, you were anywhere from about 10 to 14 years old in 1978, it was mainly a glittery gymnasium all done up special for you — crepe streamers and big letters that spelled out P-U-B-E-R-T-Y. Down came the posters of Farrah Fawcett-Majors on her beach towel. Up went the posters of a transformed Sandy/Olivia, who finally wins Danny’s heart by adapting the ways of his trashy T-Bird and Pink Ladies ilk.
Tell us more, tell us more. That was “Grease” when we first met it, and there was Newton-John in the middle of it, perhaps reckoning with this new grip she had on the preteen psyche, or perhaps not.
I remember that I didn’t want roller disco to end. I treasured those Saturdays, looping round and round the rink in my zippered tracksuit top, a giant yellow comb handle sticking out of my back pocket, reaching for just some of that magic. Yet I also knew it was too late. Everyone had followed Travolta instead, to “Urban Cowboy” and line-dancing around mechanical bulls.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
John Travolta honors Olivia Newton-John: 'My dearest Olivia'John Travolta paid tribute to his 'Grease' co-star Olivia Newton-John after her death was announced Monday.
Read more »
‘Olivia Was the Essence of Summer:’ Heartfelt Tributes to Olivia Newton-John Pour In‘Olivia Was the Essence of Summer:’ Heartfelt Tributes to Olivia Newton-John Pour in
Read more »
Olivia Newton-John, beloved singer, songwriter and actress, dies at 73Singer, songwriter and actress Olivia Newton-John died Monday morning at 73.
Read more »
Olivia Newton-John dead at age 73According to a post on her official Facebook page, the 'Grease' actress died 'peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California' Monday morning.
Read more »
Singer, actress Olivia Newton-John dies at 73BREAKING: Singer, actress Olivia Newton-John dies at the age of 73
Read more »
Olivia Newton-John dies at 73Newton\u002DJohn, a four\u002Dtime Grammy winner, had disclosed several years ago that breast cancer had metastasized and spread to her back, forcing her to cancel…
Read more »