Here's why Pet's a star

Radiant is the best way to describe Petula's looks; electric is the effect she has on an audience.

She has that rare ability to attract and transport one, vocally through her various moods.

And the way she changed moods--from gentle tenderness in a number like "You and I" from Goodbye Mr. Chips to the swinging up-tempo "Call Out My Name" to the sensitive "I Don't Know How to Love Him"--is sheer joy.

She sang some vintage Petula, revealing a wicked sense of humor, and gave a touch of the 'seventies to her hits "I Know a Place," "Don't Sleep in the Subway," "The Wedding Song" and "Downtown."

Her version of "Something": showed beyond doubt the "something" she's got.

Backing Petula with the Geoff Harvey Orchestra was her own rhythm section and vocalists; Rory Markovitz (drums), Kirk Hammett (bass) Ted Irving (guitar) and her pianist-conductor for the past eight years, Frank Owens, who must share some of the credit for her tremendously personal interpretations.

(Note: Actually, her band consisted of Roy Markowitz, Kirk Hamilton and Ted Irwin. The reviewer did manage to spell Frank Owens correctly.)