Star Wars in Concert
Author Sciacca with Han
by John Sciacca
Like every male born around 1970, Star Wars was a cultural, life-shaping event for me. I can remember seeing the original, Episode IV, in a small theater in Carmel, California. Since Return of the Jedi came out in 1983, I have seen every Wars film in the theater on opening day. I’ve purchased the movies on every format possible: Beta, VHS, Laser Disc and DVD. I’ve even visited Lucas Ranch, THX and ILM a few times. I believe this all qualifies me as a fan.
This past weekend, I enjoyed an entirely different Star Wars experience in the form of Star Wars in Concert. This was such a terrific blending of music, film, lasers and spectacle that I thought I would share my experience in hopes of convincing readers to seek out a show near them.
The Concert brings together the 86-piece Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir and a giant high-def LED screen, measuring some 60-feet wide by 30-feet tall, for a 2-hour performance of music spanning all six films. Far from detracting from the orchestra, the video is a perfect accompaniment, like watching a giant live, orchestral music video. The pacing and timing of the images to the score was even approved by John Williams.
The show opens with the THX “Deep Note,” a sound so familiar to home theater fans, and then goes into the 20th Century Fox fanfare. After a pregnant pause, the huge, opening notes of the Star Wars main theme burst from the orchestra, along with the title scrawl on the giant HD screen. Hearing and watching the music played live by such a huge, talented orchestra was phenomenal, giving me chills multiple times throughout the evening. Seeing the dozens of violinists and cellists sawing away in perfect sync to produce music that is so thoroughly entrenched in our zeitgeist was absolutely thrilling.
C3PO, Anthony Daniels
The performance is interspersed with live narration by Anthony “C3PO” Daniels who sets up each movement. His delivery is slightly over-the-top, but Daniels is one of only two cast members that were in all 6 films (the other was R2-D2, Kenny Baker), so it was a treat to see and hear him in person.
While every piece was terrific, and every favorite number was included, one of my favorites was “The Duel of the Fates” from Episode I. This featured the full choir backing the intense musical arrangement, along with well-timed pyrotechnics. Other high points included “The Imperial March” and “The Victory Song,” which concluded the evening.
Also on hand are quite a few original costumes and props from the films including Yoda, Vader, Han in carbonite, and Chewbacca.
The crowd was packed with fans of all ages, from very young – many kids under 5 – to quite old. And, if you feel the urge to go dressed as your favorite Jedi, Sith, Bounty Hunter or other, you will be in good company. Highly recommended! Performance dates and venues can be found here: starwarsinconcert.com
November 16th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
[...] Star Wars in Concert | Electronics Design Group Blog [...]
January 16th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
[...] cooling - best picture - education - CRT TV - Home Theater System - broadcast - levels - budget - Star Wars in Concert | Electronics Design Group Blogby John Sciacca Like every male born around 1970, Star Wars was a cultural, life-shaping event for [...]