Lights of Liberty, PECO Energy's look at the birth of our nation, opens in Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park this summer. Sneak previews of the high-tech, high energy show will begin in June, with the grand opening scheduled for July 8th, the anniversary date of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Billed as the world's first ambulatory sound and light show, the nighttime experience will immerse visitors in the drama of the American Revolution as it happened, where it happened. Sponsored by PECO Energy, the $12 million production will be told in five dramatic acts throughout Independence National Historical Park, a World Heritage site and home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Visitors will walk to each of five sites where they will see and hear images and sounds that depict the exciting events leading up to the colonists' fight for independence against the British.

Voices for the Lights of Liberty characters are performed by celebrities Walter Cronkite, Ossie Davis, Charlton Heston, Claire Bloom, and Frank "Dracula" Langella.

"It gives new meaning to the story of our country's birth," said Philadelphia Mayor Edward G. Rendell, the project's founder, presumably because the old meaning of the story isn't good enough anymore.

The experience begins and ends at the PECO Energy Liberty Center.

After a preview of the show at the Liberty Center, "Liberty Leaders" will lead visitors in groups of 50 past the Liberty Bell and along a show route where full-color, five-story images will be projected on some of America's most important buildings. The audio track will be available in Spanish, German, French, Italian, Chinese and Japanese and a special "Children's Channel."

Reservations are now being taken for the world premiere season of Lights of Liberty. Open seven days a week from July 9th through the end of October, the show begins just after dark, with groups leaving every 10 minutes. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and students, $12 for children 6-12 years old. Admission for groups of 15 or more will be $15 per adult. AAA members receive a 10% discount. Website: http://www.lightsofliberty.org. [06/12/1999]