The Mummers are not just for New Year’s Day anymore. This holiday season the Mummers, a mixture of burlesque and Broadway musical, will officially open a new Philadelphia Holiday Festival on November 28, 2001 and close it with the 101^st running of the New Year’s Day Parade on January 1, 2002. In between, there will be "Winter Mummerland" performances each Wednesday through Saturday evening, as well as new street and tree lightings, retail promotions, neighborhood programs and hotel packages available to visitors. The festival kicks off with the annual tree lighting of City Hall and the Market Street East parade on November 28, 2001. This year, you’re likely to hear "See you on the street," a traditional Mummer greeting, a bit earlier than January 1. www.gophila.com

The $265 million Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, a soaring, glass-enclosed facility on the Avenue of the Arts, will open on December 16, 2001. Resident companies include The Philadelphia Orchestra, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops^®, PHILADANCO, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and American Theater Arts for Youth. The Center, which is the first new dedicated performing arts center erected for a top orchestra since Avery Fisher Hall in New York’s Lincoln Center in the 1960s, will join the venerable Academy of Music to form the Regional Performing Arts Center (RPAC).

Under architect Rafael Vinoly’s glass-vaulted roof is the 2,500-seat Verizon Hall, the new home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, with acoustics by Russell Johnson of Artec, Inc.; the 650-seat Perelman Theater; studio and rehearsal space; education center; café and restaurant; gift shop and an all-weather Commonwealth Plaza.

In addition to The Philadelphia Orchestra, performers for The Kimmel Center’s gala inaugural-weekend (December 14-15, 2001) celebration include Sir Elton John, Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, André Watts, Denyce Graves, Frederica von Stade and Wynton Marsalis. (215) 790-5800, www.kimmelcenter.org

The Philadelphia Orchestra and RPAC are partnering in a major joint ticketing venture to be known as TicketPhiladelphia. The service, which manages subscription and single-ticket sales and information for all Orchestra and RPAC presentations, is expected to account for an estimated 1.2 million tickets annually. (215) 893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org

Redeveloping the Country’s Most Historic Square Mile

The Liberty Bell, which moved in 1976 from Independence Hall to its current location between 5^th & 6^th streets and Market Street, will move yet again when the Liberty Bell Center opens on the same block as the current structure. The new complex, expected to open in late 2002 or early 2003, aims to enhance visitors’ experience and understanding of the bell’s significance. (215) 597-8974, www.nps.gov/inde

The $185 million National Constitution Center, a stirring interactive museum and the first dedicated to honor and perpetuate the ideas embodied in the U.S. Constitution, is scheduled to open on July 4, 2003. Its goal is to increase understanding of the relevance of one of the greatest documents ever written.
(215) 923-0004, www.constitutioncenter.org

The 45,000-ton Battleship New Jersey, the most decorated battleship in the nation, is now berthed at the Camden Waterfront, on the Delaware River across from Center City Philadelphia, where it was constructed in 1940. It’s hard to grasp the massiveness of this 877-foot, 7-inch ship without standing on her deck, inspecting her legendary 16-inch gun turrets, experiencing the combat engagement center or peeping into Admiral "Bull" Halsey’s original cabin area. The pride of the naval fleet earned her slogan, "Firepower for Freedom," during her numerous Pacific engagements in World War II. Before the end of her service, she battled in Korea and Vietnam and earned 16 battle stars and 13 additional decorations. Two-hour tours are offered daily from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (866) 877-6262, www.battleshipnewjersey.org

WorldRes: Hotels Join Central Reservation Service,
Make One Stop Shopping Possible on www.gophila.com

Visitors to the Philadelphia region can easily book hotel accommodations at more than 40 city properties online, at the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation’s (GPTMC) Web site, www.gophila.com. GPTMC initiated the reservation program in cooperation with the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association and WorldRes.com, an Internet-based, real-time hotel reservation and distribution network. The system, now live on GPTMC’s Web site, not only allows visitors to reserve accommodations online at more than 40 city hotels, but also to take advantage of special packages and rates. www.gophila.com

• Rudi Gernreich: Fashion Will Go Out of Fashion showcases the forward-thinking designer’s most well known pieces including the topless swimsuit, also known as the monokini, the transparent brassiere (the "no-bra" bra) and androgynous unisex clothing. Through
  November 11, 2001, Institute of Contemporary Art, (215) 898-5911, www.icaphila.org
• Power and Glory: Medici Portraits from the Uffizi Gallery includes a selection of 16^th- and 17^th- century paintings of European royalty and aristocracy collected by the Medici dynasty. Through December 2001, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, (215) 972-7600, www.pafa.org

• Thomas Eakins: American Realist is a spectacular exhibition surveying the career of the enormously controversial, challenging and influential Philadelphia artist. Through
  January 6, 2002, Philadelphia Museum of Art, (215) 763-8100, www.philamuseum.org
• Animal SuperSenses explores the ways that animals use their sensory abilities to communicate, locate mates, seek out food and more. Through January 6, 2002, Academy of Natural Sciences, (215) 299-1000, www.acnatsci.org

• Modern Mongolia: Reclaiming Genghis Khan tells the story of a beloved nation-builder who brought principles of democracy to the rugged steppes, nine years before the Magna Carta was signed. October 20, 2001-July 2002, University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, (215) 898-4000, www.upenn.edu/museum

• Dox Thrash: An African American Master Printmaker Rediscovered explores the poetic vision of a Philadelphia artist who rose to national prominence in the 1950s. October 27, 2001-
  February 28, 2002, Philadelphia Museum of Art, (215) 763-8100, www.philamuseum.org

• 2001 Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, the 25^th anniversary of the nation’s top juried show of contemporary crafts, features the work of more than 200 exhibitors. November 8-11, 2001, Pennsylvania Convention Center, (215) 763-8100, www.philamuseum.org
• Weegee’s Story: From the Berinson Collection showcases more than 225 black-and-white vintage photographs by the famous crime scene photographer Weegee, taken primarily during the 1940s. November 20, 2001-January 13, 2002, Philadelphia Art Alliance, (215) 545-4302, www.philartalliance.org
• A Longwood Gardens Christmas features brilliant poinsettias, towering trees, daily concerts, fountain shows and evening light displays. November 22, 2001-January 6, 2002, Longwood Gardens, (610) 388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org
• NBA All-Star Weekend, includes all-star game, the NBA Jam Session (at the Pennsylvania Convention Center), All-Star Saturday and NBA TeamUp Celebration. February 8-10, 2002.
• 2002 Philadelphia Flower Show, annual gardening event features contests, special events and more than 100 vendors. March 3-10, 2002, Pennsylvania Convention Center, (215) 988-8888, www.theflowershow.com
• KitchenAid® The Book And The Cook Festival and Fair®, the festival pairs the world's elite cookbook authors with Philadelphia’s restaurants, while the Fair, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, closes the week’s events with delicious food and demonstrations.
  March 15-24, 2002, www.thebookandthecook.com

In the past decade, the Philadelphia region has emerged as one of the country’s most vibrant performing arts cities. Proof is in the 2001-2002 performing arts season.

• Lou Rawls stars in the world premiere of Me and Mrs. Jones, a musical at the Prince Music Theater that follows the lives of those responsible for creating the "Philly Sound" during the 1970s. November 3-December 9, 2001. (215) 972-1000, www.princemusictheater.org
• From December 6-9, 2001, the acclaimed local dance troupe Philadanco performs Xmas Philes. Part of Penn Presents’ Dance Affiliates series at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, the show features high-energy dance numbers to holiday classics like "The Twelve Days of Christmas." (215) 898-6701, www.AnnenbergCenter.org
• Closer makes its Philadelphia debut at the Arden Theatre on January 10, 2002. The British play, which runs through March 3, 2002, exposes the pain that comes when two young couples pursue true love in a cyber society. (215) 922-1122, www.ardentheatre.org
• Wolfgang Sawallisch conducts The Philadelphia Orchestra and world-renowned pianist Murray in the Beethoven Piano Concertos from January 11-19, 2002. (215) 893-1900, www.philorch.org
• Yellowman makes its world premiere at the Wilma Theater on February 13, 2002. The play, by acclaimed playwright Dael Orlandersmith, follows innocent children from the South and explores the issue of internal racism. Through March 17, 2002. (215) 893-9456, www.wilmatheater.org
• The Walnut Street Theatre’s season continues with the world premiere adaptation of Great Expectations, the Charles Dickens’ classic about an orphan whose dream of becoming a gentleman comes true. March 12-April 28, 2002. (215) 574-3550, www.wstonline.org
• Pennsylvania Ballet presents The Sleeping Beauty, a timeless tale set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score. May 3-12, 2002. (215) 551-7000, www.paballet.org
• The Mum Puppettheatre concludes its 2001-2002 season with Rocking the Boat, a world premiere production that takes place entirely in a three-foot high water tank. May 8-June 1, 2002. (215) 925-8686, www.mumpuppet.org
• At the People’s Light and Theatre Company, May 22-June 16, 2002, is another world premiere, He Held Me Grand, featuring humor, music and romance. (610) 647-1900, www.peopleslight.org

• Aida, the winner of four 2000 Tony Awards, makes its way to the Forrest Theatre on June 11, 2002 for its Philadelphia premiere. The Disney musical features a score by Sir Elton John and Tim Rice. Through July 7, 2002. (215) 923-1515

Philadelphia hoteliers aim to please. In fact, many will do almost anything to ensure that their guests’ needs – no matter how unusual – are satisfied. Here are just some of the unique services and amenities offered at area properties:

• At the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, VIPs (Very Important Pets) are treated especially well. Guests traveling with pets can take advantage of numerous services including: veterinarian information, pet shop and grooming locations, pet-sitting contact information, dog-walking routes, pet attractions and pet-friendly restaurants. A special pet room service menu is also available. Upon check-in, guests of the four-legged variety receive a complementary bag of treats and a toy.
  (215) 627-1200
• An extensive menu of butler-drawn baths is just one of the many services offered at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia. Guests can choose from The Bubbly Bath, the Gentlemen’s Bath, the Stress Relief Bath and Mr. Bubble. Or, for those looking to truly experience Philadelphia, there’s the Independence Bath, an energizing bath served with Philly’s famous soft pretzels and mustard and a frosty mug of Yuengling, Rolling Rock, Independence or Dock Street Beer.
  (800) 241-3333
• With childproofed guest rooms, the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing is the perfect property for families. All professionally childproofed rooms feature toilet locks, corner padding and protected electrical outlets. Guests also enjoy access to a wide array of children’s videos, as well as cribs and pack-and-plays to make time away from home more comfortable. (215) 928-1234
• The Rittenhouse Hotel strives to ensure that international travelers feel welcome at their property. Each guest receives a welcome letter from the General Manager with his or her country flag and an appropriate amenity such as English candy and mints. In addition, international travelers are greeted by their country’s flag in the lobby. (215) 546-9000
• Guests of the Four Seasons Philadelphia need not travel far for the perfect cup of cappuccino. Upon request, a room service waiter will make the frothy concoction in the guest’s room in just seconds. This service allows visitors to enjoy a cappuccino (with that perfect creamy white top) as if they were in the hotel’s own world-renowned Fountain Restaurant. (215) 963-1500
• The Radisson Hotel Valley Forge’s Fantasy Suites offer visitors an escape from their everyday lives. The hotel promises that guests of their newly redesigned suites will be "transported to a land of a thousand fantasies." There are nearly 20 themed rooms to choose from including: Caesar’s Palace, Hollywood, Titanic, Gilligan’s Island, Cleopatra’s Tent, Pharaoh’s Tomb and Leather and Lace. (610) 337-2000, www.radisson.com/kingofprussiapa

Ethnic restaurants are giving the Philadelphia region’s restaurant scene an international flare. Leading the way are the city’s enormously successful Cuban and Latin dining establishments. Among the most popular are Alma de Cuba, Pasion!, Café Habana, Sabooor!, Azafran, Cibucan and Cuba Libre.

In recent months, the region has also welcomed the addition of many other ethnic eateries including Caribbean, Regional European, Mediterranean, Indian, Persian, Japanese, Southwestern and upscale Southern establishments. Here is just a sampling:

• Tuscan Italian cuisine is on the menu at Avenue B, the most recent creation of veteran restaurateurs Neil Stein and Gabe Marabella. The Avenue of the Arts eatery features sixteen-foot high ceilings and large picture windows, which offer a great view of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. (215) 790-0705
• The venerated George Perrier, proprietor of Le Bec-Fin and Brasserie Perrier, has opened Le Mas Perrier, a restaurant serving authentic Provencal fare, in Spread Eagle Village in Strafford on the Main Line. (610) 964-2588, www.lemasrestaurant.com
• Belly dancers entertain patrons at La Casbah, the first Moroccan-owned restaurant in the Philadelphia region. Modern Moroccan décor including hand-made mosaic tables set the scene at this Skippack, PA, establishment.
• Los Catrines & Tequila’s Bar, a reincarnation of the popular Tequila’s Bar, is an upscale Mexican restaurant in Center City, Philadelphia. Dramatic murals, a lively bar, romantic dining room and talented waitstaff (they carry serving trays around on their head) make the restaurant a dining destination.

Maybe you’re looking for a floor-length, chiffon, leopard print ballroom skirt? Perhaps a black taffeta gingham shirt is on your wish list. Or maybe it’s a dice-laden bracelet that you can’t live without. In Philadelphia, unique retailers offer distinctive products for shoppers of all tastes and budgets. Check out the following stores:

• The internationally renowned Calderwood Gallery houses the world's largest collection of fine French Decorative Arts and furnishings from the period between 1900 and 1950. In November, the gallery will move from its current home on Walnut Street to 1622 Spruce Street.
  (215) 568-8485
• Woman’s clothing and accessories are made on the premises at Coco Rose, a Center City boutique where custom alterations are welcome. By appointment only. 1633 Spruce Street,
  (215) 569-1344
• Unique home accents are a specialty at Hot Soup, Philadelphia’s only glassblowing studio and gallery. The gallery features bowls, vases and an assortment of other pieces by resident, student and visiting artists. (215) 922-2332, www.hotsoupstudio.com

• LELE, a clothing boutique for women and men, designs and produces custom made, one-of-a kind pieces for all occasions. 30 S. 2nd Street, (215) 592-8474

• Scarlett offers upscale skincare, haircare, cosmetics and fragrance products. With locations only in Philadelphia and New Hope, the shop is the exclusive home of Scarlett Cosmetics, a signature collection of high-quality, pigment rich make-up in trendsetting colors. (215) 875-9408,
  (215) 862-9408, www.scarlettcos.com

• Scriven Signature Jewelry & Metalworks features signature jewelry and metal works created by acclaimed designer Keith Scriven. (215) 545-8820
• Unique apparel, handbags, hats and jewelry fill the showroom at Studio 54 ½. The merchandise at this Old City boutique is made by owners Sioux Zanne Messix and Alexsandra Zerillo-Stedman as well as other local designers. (215) 928-9250

Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to generating awareness of and visitation to Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. For more information about travel to Philadelphia visit www.gophila.com or call (877) GO-PHILA.

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Note to Editors: For photographic images of Philadelphia and its surrounding countryside, visit the photo gallery section of www.gophila.com/pressroom.

October 2001