Bellmore Christmas concert to pay tribute to Dolly Parton and Olivia Newton-John

Two late music legends will be honored in a dual Christmas concert as singer Mor Schwartz, of Dix Hills, pays tribute to Dolly Parton and Olivia Newton-John at the Bellmore Movies and Showplace on Nov. 21.

"It’s part tribute concert, part Christmas celebration and a whole lot of nostalgia," Schwartz told Newsday recently. "There’s certainly an emotional element to celebrating them now that they’re no longer with us. Their songs have become the soundtrack to so many moments in our lives."

Audiences will hear Christmas favorites including "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree," "Sleigh Ride," "Jingle Bell Rock," "Last Christmas," "It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," and "Underneath the Tree" along with iconic hits of both Parton ("9 to 5," "Jolene," "Here You Come Again" and "Islands in the Stream") and Newton-John ("Physical," "Magic," "Xanadu" and "A Little More Love").

The two divas were actually friends and their musical paths crossed in a unique way.

"Olivia recorded Dolly’s song ‘Jolene’ back in 1976 and many years later, the two women finally recorded the song together as a duet," Schwartz said. "What makes that recording especially poignant is that it became Olivia’s final studio session, which was released in 2023 after her passing."

Schwartz will be performing in full costume, recreating the esthetics of both ladies and backed by a live band. She also hopes to capture their spirit and stage personalities.

"Dolly had this incredible ability to make everyone feel like they knew her personally. She was funny, fearless, generous and completely unapologetic about being herself," Schwartz said. "Olivia had this beautiful sweetness and sincerity about her. Her voice was so pure and expressive. There was a gentleness to her that audiences connected with immediately."

Bellmore Movies and Showplace is located at 222 Pettit Ave. The show begins at 2:30 p.m. For tickets ($30), call 516-783-3199 or visit bellmoremovie.com.