Printer-friendly version

Send to a friend

You might also be interested in

• Shakespeare for ADD Kids and Crack Addicts
• A Mural Miracle

This Issue 11/01/2001

Also in this issue

• Voice: Southern-Fried Southerners
• Food Truck Philosophies
• WOTS: Patriotism: Pop Quiz
• F.F.P: Misconception

Fels Planetarium

222 N. 20th Street

9:30 p.m., $8

(215) 448-1388

http://www.laserfantasy.com/Laser_Shows/philly.html

I could have hit the annoying woman introducing the show. She
was one of those geriatrics who tries so hard to be cool but only
shows how out of touch he or she really is. As she babbled loudly
about God-knows-what, I settled into my reclining seat and stared
at the large white dome above me. The lights dimmed and the first
few chords of "Airbag" blared from the fantastic sound system. A
full assault of lasers and lights tickled my eyes with the physical
manifestation of the sonic youth that is Radiohead. Performing a
nice selection of the band's catalog complete with surprises like
OK Computer's "Electioneering," and favorites like The Bends'
"High and Dry," the folks at the Fels Planetarium entertained a
small audience of die-hard Radiohead fans to satisfaction. The
climax of the show was "Pyramid Song." Matching the slow and
haunting vocals of Thom Yorke, the ceiling whirled with stars and a
pulsating laser swayed to the eerie song. I was near tears by the
end of the show, not because of some emotional coup, but
because my eyes were so dry from staring so long that at times I
had to make a conscious effort to blink. It's a shame that Fels is
ending its laser shows at the end of this year. Though overall just
a nice experience, the laser show is one of those things that
makes me appreciate Philly. If Radiohead's not your thing, the Fels
also offers a staple of Pink Floyd shows and will be presenting a
smattering of different shows in December before it closes its
doors. Be sure to check it out before it's too late.