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.
