Review

The Washington Post
July 19, 1986

Petula Clark: Upbeat & 'Downtown'

Petula Clark is an extraordinarily eclectic performer. Last night at the Kennedy Center, the British songstress was torch singer, balladeer, Latin bombshell, C&W artist, rocker and music hall entertainer all in one.

"How Are Things in Glocamora," (sic) from her film Finian's Rainbow, reached back a half century. A parody of Elton John had Clark whooping and squealing.

She was backed by a seven-piece band on most selections, but several times provided her own piano accompaniment. These interludes revealed special vocal qualities: a quavering timbre, a whispery delivery.

The balcony song from Evita, with its contrasting passivity and fiery passion, was a highlight. But Clark saved for last the song she will probably be remembered for--"Downtown." Well, almost last: A standing ovation brought her back for more.

--W. Royal Stokes