‘A Sign of the Times’ Jukebox Musical Weighed Down by Petula Clark's Pop Hits

'A Sign of the Times,' a jukebox musical set against the backdrop of 1965 New York City, appears to be in a musical identity crisis. It narrates the tale of Cindy, a hopeful Midwestern girl who arrives in New York with aspirations of becoming a photographer. However, the soundtrack, dense with British singer Petula Clark's hits, seems oddly disconnected from the show's main narrative and the significant themes it attempts to address, such as feminism, civil rights, and the Vietnam War.

A Musical Contradiction

The musical's reliance on Petula Clark's discography—including classics like 'Downtown' and 'Color My World'—raises eyebrows given their contrast to the serious issues Cindy encounters in the bustling city. The original 2016 production of the show was upfront about its Clark-centric repertoire, but the latest staging adopts a more subdued approach, interspersing Clark's tunes with other well-known songs of the era in an attempt to draw broader audiences. Yet, the integration feels forced, resulting in a disjointed musical experience.

Historical Anachronisms and Cultural Distance

Beyond the musical selection, accuracy-oriented audiences might take issue with the inclusion of songs released after 1965, calling into question the production's commitment to historical authenticity. Additionally, the cultural gap between the Midwest's Cindy and the urbane sounds of Petula Clark adds to the musical's thematic disarray.

Production Highlights and Missteps

Despite its thematic conflicts, the musical offers moments of entertainment with dance numbers and some humorous, albeit incongruous, details designed to hold the audience's attention. The choreography, however, is criticized for lacking originality, often rehashing moves from traditional 1960s variety shows. Overall, 'A Sign of the Times' struggles to find harmony between its musical choices and its narrative, resulting in a production that leaves audiences puzzled as it tries to convey its message of empowerment and change during a tumultuous era.

musical, review, 1960s