Richard Mays Compered by the hilarious Jackie Clarke….. (who’s) energy was infectious throughout her performances. Sarah Clarke We laughed. Oh how we laughed. Not polite theatre giggles but gut-gurgling, body quivering hysterics…..four kiwi co-stars – Tahei Simpson, Jackie Clarke, Michele A’Court and Rebecca Hobbs – were absolutely fabulous. The standing ovation was well deserved. Kirsty Macnicol A new jazz and ragtime swing to Jan Bolton’s music is admirably carried through out by Jackie Clarke as singer/narrator. She obviously relishes her role and delivers some fantastic numbers while wearing a few more fantastic numbers herself. Jennifer Shennan Clarke is a gem, an absolute natural on stage with her comic timing, asides and most of all, her outstanding voice. Someone to Watch Over Me showed her fluency as a balladeer, the Blues Medley her power and I Could Have Danced All Night her strength in a more operatic vein. Patrick Shepherd There’s the slightly weird and wonderful Jackie with her astonishing bright brown eyes and chameleon smile sending out a barrage of conflicting signals; from sweet to cynical to petulant to plain wicked. All in about three seconds. And wearing a Madonna-style bustier. Bernadette Rae NZ Herald Jackie Clarke revels in the crucial role of the narrator, adding just enough eye rolling irony. Vocally she steals the show adding some much needed soul to the evening. Nick Bollinger Jackie Clarke has ignore DW Griffith’s advice never to perform with children, and even surrounded by 50 children who would melt the heart of the most errant misanthrope, her star quality is not dimmed…. Her sweetness always tinged with a hint of acid, she is never saccharine and belts out a song with guts and heart when the occasion demands. Susan Budd A performer as versatile as the Jackal, Jackie Clarke can be damned proud of her performance on opening night. Her voice was energetic, clear and strong. Jody Hopkinson ..and the inclusion of…Jackie was a casting coup. Her comic facial expressions were perfect for camp cabaret…(and) she stood out with some fine singing.” Auckland City Harbour News
Clarke once again shows there’s more to her powers than Lotto ads with vocal chords impressive in range and power. But turn down the lights, turn up the romance, and she turns on a honeyed croon for all the lovers out there. Megan Lane …We do not have many stars here with the sheer size of personality that the grand dames of American musical theatre had, but this explosive evening of razzle-dazzle combines the talents of two of the greatest… Ellie Smith and Jackie Clarke… Tim Bridgewater |