LONDON, 1942. A CRYSTAL-CLEAR VOICE BROKE through the din of the air-raid sirens, enchanting the audience, and the rest, as they say, is history. The song was Mighty Lak a Rose, and the singer was none other than nine-year-old Petula Clark. The young performer was with her father at a London Theatre for a BBC radio broadcast. They were there in hopes of recording a greeting to an uncle who was stationed overseas during World War li. It was in the days of radio broadcasts with live studio audiences. As the story goes, when the sirens began to sound, the show's producer pleaded for calm, asking someone to take the microphone to create a diversion. lip stepped Petula Clark. Her rendition of the popular song created such a stir that it was recreated for the broadcast moments later. Soon, everyone would know her name.
      Petula Clark started out entertaining the troops during World War li and was known as The British Shirley Temple. She has gone on to distinguished careers in radio and television, a dazzling recording career, a string of films, and great success in live theatre, The British-born diva is continually reinventing herself, always chaIlenging herself artistically, and never, ever sitting still.

Sally Clark?
      About that famous first name-the story has circulated for years that her name is the combination of the first names oftwo of her father's former girlfriends. But don't necessarily believe everything you hear. Said Petula Clark. I don't know where my first name came from. And sometimes when I look at it, I think 'Well that really looks like a phony name, " But she has always been known as Petula although she wouldn't mind something different. 1 would like to be called something like 'Sally,' which is second name. I think 'Sally Clark' sounds rather nice." she laughed. "It might be a little late to change it. though!"

The Early Years
      She was born in Epsom, England, to parents who were both nurses, Her lather, who later joined the Army, encouraged her career in show business, though she didn't need much encouragement She recalled that an early trip to the theatre was all she needed to realize what she wanted to do with her life. She began to perform at every opportunity Said Clark, 'I did little church shows and sang in chapel and little bits and pieces' She went on, "I've always been in show business, so I actually don't know any other life."

Petula On Stage
      Petula's West End debut came in 198! as Maria in The Sound of Music o Her portrayal ol the wayward nun impressed Baroness Maria Von Trapp (the real Mana) so much that she is reported to have said. I'll never see The Sound of Music' again, this is the way I want to remember it." Her Broadway debut, as Mrs. Johnstone in Blood Brothers, with Shaun and David Cassidy portraying her Sons proved to be a bit of inspired casting Though the show's early demise had been predicted by some critics, she went on to tour the United States with that show to popular and critical acclaim.

Petula & Norma
      Petula Clark has performed the role of Norma Desmond, the lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber's acclaimed musical version of Sunset Boulevard, more than any other actress. But it took some coaxing belore she would accept the role. Now, some say she has created the definitive portrayal of the tormented, tragic, faded movie sta.r Said Clark. "lt's not an easy show, and Norma Desmond's not a very sympathetic character, Clark originally turned down the role when it was offered, but renowned theatrical director Trevor Nunn persisted. Recalled Clark He kind of made up his mind that I was going to go it. Nunn told her, " 0f course you can do it and you'll be wonderful, It was only after he revealed that he wanted a new kind of Norma Desmond, one injected with vulnerability and humor. that she relented Although she found it to be a difficult role in the beginning. she grew to like the character and missed her when the run was over. When she was offered the opportunity to play her on a U.S. tour. Clark said her initial reaction was "0h, great. I'll see Norma again! Her sympathetic portrayal of this most difficult of characters lies in the fact that she found the human side to Norma Desmond She's kind of sad, this woman, and it's far less one-dimensional for me now, and I can see why she turned into this monster She added with a chuckle. And it's lovely co go on stage and be totally monstrous every night. You get to say a lot of things that you wouldn't dare say in real Iife!"

Petula & Andy
      Andy Willams voice has lost none of its charm for Petula Clark. nor for the throngs that flocked lo their Branson shows in the spring of 2005. He's still singing beautifully but he's great fun to be around too Having appeared on each other's early television shows. Petula Clark and Andy Williams

are no strangers to one another Yet. Petula remembers that during their earlier years performing together it was always pretty fast. He was doing other things. I was doing other things. We would do the show and then I would disappear. Now having the chance to work for six weeks at a stretch with Williams, she's getting to know him and regards him as a friend. Mused Clark. "What a pity we couldn't have been friends before!" She still loves performing and adores his Moon River Theater. "The best part of the day is coming lo that gorgeous theatre and singing to a great audience What else could you ask for! Andy's got a great thing going-his musicians are wonderful, he's got a wonderful crew. It's good through and through,' said Clark.

Petula On Branson
      Who wouldn't love a place where you can meet Elvis in the grocery store? Clark recalls that while shopping in Branson. "I bumped into Elvis, of course .. one of the Elvises. He was absolutely charming. It's just such a great place. Calling it, one of the most lovely places I've ever been to," Clark developed a real fondness for Branson in the spring when she did her first stint with Andy Williams. She was impressed by the level of artistry she found in Branson musicians, saying "There's such fantastic talent in Branson. It's a very fertile place There's all kinds of 'layers' in Branson, and I was rather surprised to find out about them myself.' She also enjoyed 'jazz evenings' in Branson, spent with members of Andy Williams 'absolutely amazing' band, Petula's Musical Director Kenny Clayton. and Petula herself performing live jazz.

Petula-What Will She Do Next
      So what's next for Petula Clark? While she's not revealing any details, it's safe to assume it will be a work of art like everything that she does. She promises it will move her in a 'totally different direction,' adding "Probably if I was doing the same thing over and over again it might get a little tedious for me, but as I'm constantly changing and doing different sorts of things it stays fresh for me, and I think if it stays fresh for me. It stays fresh for the audience." No one could argue with that.

-For more information on Petula Clark visit her website at petulaclarknet
Petula Clark and Andy Williams will appear in Branson at the Andy Williams Moon River Theater September 9-October 26. For tickets and information call 417 334-4500 or 800 666-6094 or visit andywilliams.com.