Paul Ondulich is hopelessly devoted to Olivia Newton-John.
The Trafford, Pa., resident has seen the “Grease” star in concert nine times, first in Pittsburgh for 1982’s “Physical” tour, and most recently on July 24, 2016 at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster. All but one time he sat in the front row.
At each show, he gives Newton-John flowers. She has repaid the favor, holding his hand at many of the shows, he said, and singing to him several times. He shared a clipping from the Buffalo News, showing a photo of him and Newton-John from a 2006 show at a casino in Niagara Falls, Ont.
“I don’t know,” Ondulich said when asked to explain his good fortune, “I’m just lucky, I guess.”
A web developer by day, operator of a Pittsburgh Pirates fan website in his spare time, Ondulich called in his flower order to our Lancaster West store two weeks before the July show. The flowers for Newton-John included 10 white stargazer lilies, 20 dendrobium orchids, and orange roses.
He said he presented them to Newton-John approximately 15 minutes into the concert; of course, she had him come up on stage. She placed the flowers on the piano for the rest of the show and told the audience how beautiful and sweet-smelling they were.
Joining Ondulich at the concert was his wife, Joanne, who seems to be OK with her husband’s fondness for the singer.
“She’s known I’m a fan and I love Olivia,” he said.
Besides, Ondulich also ordered one-dozen long-stem red roses for Joanne.