Macy's Philly Christmas Light Show At Wanamaker's

Once again this year, we enjoyed the wonderful Wanamaker's Christmas Light Show at Macy's in Philadelphia.
Yes, to Philadelphians this is still the Wanamaker Light Show even though America's most glorious cathedral of commerce (the old Wanamaker store) is now Macy's.
Well, I'm happy to report that Macy's has done right by Wanamaker's and by Philadelphia.

The Great Light Show looks better than ever.

How can one possibly explain this show to those who haven't seen it? Photos (though we try our best, above) simply do not do it justice. There is nothing like it anywhere in the world.

The magnificent three-story Christmas tree is back and it's absolutely dazzling.

And the 12-minute show's narrator is still the great Julie Andrews.
Most of the parts of the show that you remember are still there: Rudolph, Frosty, the Winter Wonderland, the Clock Shop, the Christmas Express. The reindeer have been updated and look wonderful this Christmas. Also, Marie and the Nutcracker figures from the story remain as part of the panoply.

What's important is that Macy's has done a wonderful job with the Light Show and the tree is an absolute joy to behold.
During the light show, more than 100,000 bright, energy-efficient LED lights combine to create fantastic Christmas images. The lighting display is accompanied by festive music from the world-renowned Wanamaker Grand Organ.

The Great Christmas Light Show is a 55-year-old tradition in Philadelphia and it's looking better than ever.
Shows begin on the hour. Store hours vary by day during the holiday season. Call the store directly for exact info: (215) 241-9000. 

And, it's great to hear Julie Andrews say "Merry Christmas!"

BTW: For many years the store displayed a large lighted message below the Light Show that declared "Merry Christmas" in elaborate script and displayed the time of the next show. We were sorry to see that the "Merry Christmas" greeting and "next show" times are gone.
Once again, we request that Macy's bring back that added touch.
Photo copyright 2010 by Dan Cirucci.

Julie To Philly

The great Julie Andrews will come to Macy's in Center City Philly on Saturday (4/5) to promote her new book, titled Home: A Memoir of My Early Years, and to receive a musical tribute from the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Choral and Peter Richard Conte at the Wanamaker Organ in Macy's Grand Court.
Is there a greater Broadway star that Julie Andrews? Is there a classier star anywhere? Has any other entertainer given more joy to more people in movies, theatre, on recordings and in live performances? If you can name one, please let me know.

We last saw Julie on Broadway when she starred in Victor Victoria and she was wonderful, as always. She is a pro who understands that she always owes the audience her very best and she always delivers. But beyond all that, she's a gracious person who proves that you can be a truly Big Star and still be kind, still care about others and still know who you are and from whence you came.

Julie's memoir recreates her years before the movies, artfully revealing the story of her childhood and upbringing.

The concert salute begins at 11:30 AM and then Andrews signs her book beginning at noon. You must buy the book in advance and only the first 150 purchasers will have their copies signed by Andrews. So, hurry on over to Macy's!