Entertainment Earth
[TF.N Main] [Contact Us]
[Latest News - Main]
[More...]
[TFN FanFilms Now On YouTube.com]
[Popular Stories]
CEII: Jabba's Palace Reunion - Massive Guest Announcements

Star Wars Night With The Tampa Bay Storm Reminder

Stephen Hayford Star Wars Weekends Exclusive Art

ForceCast #251: To Spoil or Not to Spoil

New Timothy Zahn Audio Books Coming

Star Wars Celebration VII In Orlando?

May The FETT Be With You

Mimoco: New Mimobot Coming May 4th

[Jedi Council Forums]
Who Doesn't Hate Jar Jar anymore?

Fans who grew up with the OT-Do any of you actually prefer the PT?

Should darth maul have died?

What plotline, character or scene in the entire Saga irritates you the most?

The misconceptions you had about Star Wars, when you were a kid
[Poll]
There are no polls
currently operating
in this sector.
Please check
back soon.

View Poll Archives


Entertainment Earth
Star Wars In Concert Review

Posted By Dustin on May 22, 2010

The following review of Star Wars In Concert is by Fan of TheForce.net, Jim Carchidi.

It's hard to recall life before Star Wars. Not so much because Star Wars has been there since birth (I'm 41), but because life was pretty boring before watching the hulking mass of an Imperial Star Destroyer engulf a movie screen.

Before hearing the spine-melting respirator of a Sith Lord as he emerged from shadow and smoke. And before hearing a quiet theater suddenly burst alive with cymbals, horns and applause as the overture of-overtures played itself into our collective DNA.

As iconic as the costumes, characters and quotes have become, they are all framed by the music. Scores that compliment, punctuate and blend the worlds, timelines and personalities that make up the Star Wars Saga. Star Wars In Concert is culmination of six films worth of the classical music pieces that have been the backdrop to many a childhood and, in my case, served as an introduction to the world of classical music.



On Saturday, May 15th, the Amway Arena in Orlando, FL played host to the spectacle of Star Wars In Concert - only the second of fifty cities in the North American leg of the tour. As with everything Star Wars, the fans were there... in Force (obligatory reference, but still true). Members of the Florida 501st Garrison and Rebel Legion, decked out in their best armor, pilot suits and Jedi robes, patiently appeased lines of photograph, and autograph, seekers. (Seriously, if Boba Fett signs his name in your book you don't ask to see proof of ID.)



As Rebels and Imperials patrolled the mezzanine, selections from the Lucasfilm Archives awaited inspection in an exhibit befitting a saga that spanned thirty years. Production drawings, prop weapons, armor and costumes lined the hallway and brought the crowd to a spellbound halt. Generations of fans gazed through protective cases to examine Chewbacca's fur and Darth Vader's armor.





As the masses slowly filed past the eye candy, the auditorium began to fill. With the elaborate stage design cutting the usual arena length nearly in half, there wasn't a bad seat in the house. The massive projection screens that hung above the orchestra made quite an impression, even with the house lights on. The energy and anticipation, that usually accompanies the opening of a movie you've waited years to see, hung heavy in the air.?Only in concert venues and movie theaters is darkness greeted with applause. A familiar drum and cymbal medley quickly followed as the orchestra began the show in grand Star Wars style... with the 20th Century Fox fanfare. The darkened screen suddenly backdropped the familiar blue letters that are the expected calm before the Star Wars storm, "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..."

Goosebump time.

The cymbals crashed, the horns sounded and the crowd erupted as the Main Title theme began. Highlights from the saga played on the massive screen. Scenes from the original trilogy were matched with those of the prequels, forming a tapestry of visuals that spanned all six films. Similar visual delights accompanied each arrangement in the performance, in addition to live video of the orchestra.



For the production, arrangements from throughout the saga (often evoking a similar tone and feeling) are grouped into segments that highlight a linear telling of the Star Wars Saga and the story of Anakin Skywalker, told in person by the voice of See-Threepio, Anthony Daniels.?In between each musical segment, Daniels takes the stage to summarize the progression of Anakin's story and that of his children, Luke and Leia, and their respective struggles within both the failing Republic and corrupt Empire. Daniels' dramatic, and sometimes funny, telling of key points in the saga was a personal touch that connected with the audience and juxtaposed well with the music and visuals.




The two hour symphonic experience is richly appointed with all the spectacle and awe that is synonymous with Star Wars, yet it remains an exercise in music appreciation. The sound is not piped in, it is live and right in front of you. A choir of sixty voices, singing with the orchestra, elevates the drama of?Duel of the Fates?and?Anakin vs. Obi Wan?beyond the capability of any sound system. A moving, crane mounted camera, captures the orchestra and conductor,?Lucas Richman, as they work together. Details such as the xylophone notes during the?Imperial March?are shown as they are played, exemplifying the depth of the musical arrangement and the performance.?For all the technical advances that have helped tell the Star Wars Saga, the act of playing an instrument is one of the most enduring and poignant parts of the whole.



For the production, arrangements from throughout the saga (often evoking a similar tone and feeling) are grouped into segments that highlight a linear telling of the Star Wars Saga and the story of Anakin Skywalker, told in person by the voice of See-Threepio, Anthony Daniels. In between each musical segment, Daniels takes the stage to summarize the progression of Anakin's story and that of his children, Luke and Leia, and their respective struggles within both the failing Republic and corrupt Empire. Daniels' dramatic, and sometimes funny, telling of key points in the saga was a personal touch that connected with the audience and juxtaposed well with the music and visuals.

The thunderous applause that helped open the performance, replayed at the finale - only louder. Daniels, Richman and the orchestra took turns accepting the adulation. Then, another treat.



"You don't look like you're ready to go home," exclaimed Daniels. And with that, he introduced an encore of?The Imperial March.

Cue more thunderous applause.

After more than 30 years of Star Wars, one truth holds constant: Just when you think The Saga can't outdo itself or that the legend can't get any bigger, something more amazing comes along. This time, it's Star Wars In Concert.

- Jim Carchidi


Related Stories

June 6, 2011   John Williams Conducts SW In Concert
March 12, 2011   Star Wars In Concert Back To Hollywood Bowl
March 2, 2011   Star Wars In Concert Back To Hollywood Bowl
June 16, 2010   More SW In Concert Images At SW.com
June 8, 2010   More SW In Concert Images At SW.com
June 2, 2010   SW In Concert: LA, KS, TX, NV & AZ
December 9, 2009   Star Wars In Concert - Backstage Pass
November 21, 2009   Star Wars In Concert Review
September 29, 2009   Star Wars In Concert Dates Coming





[Latest News - News Archives]
Rebelscum Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Patch
Posted By Philip on November 25, 2014:
Thanks to everybody that ordered patches. I sent a check for $1,600.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation on Monday. While it's not as much as I hoped for, it's still very much appreciated. They will remain for sale in the store for anybody that still wishes to purchase them. Details after the jump.



BBC Interviews J.J. Abrams About Trek And Wars
Posted By Eric on May 3, 2013:
Episode VII gig "once in a lifetime opportunity"

CEII: Jabba's Palace Reunion - Massive Guest Announcements
Posted By Chris on May 3, 2013:
10 new guests announced!

Fathead's May the Fourth Be With You!
Posted By Philip on May 3, 2013:
30% off Star Wars Fatheads

Star Wars Night With The Tampa Bay Storm Reminder
Posted By Chris on May 3, 2013:
Saturday, May 4th at 9:00pm!

Stephen Hayford Star Wars Weekends Exclusive Art
Posted By Chris on May 3, 2013:
Hunt down all four prints!

ForceCast #251: To Spoil or Not to Spoil
Posted By Eric on May 3, 2013:
Erik and Eric discuss a central issue of our time

New Timothy Zahn Audio Books Coming
Posted By Chris on May 3, 2013:
Allegiance, Specter of the Past, Vision of the Future!

SDCC: Exclusive Black Series Boba Fett With Han In Carbonite Set
Posted By Chris on May 3, 2013:
USA Today reveals Hasbro's offering

Star Wars Art Exposition May 4th
Posted By Philip on May 3, 2013:
It's Happening In Houston

Star Wars Celebration VII In Orlando?
Posted By Chris on May 3, 2013:
Story updated inside

The Force Within Us Celebrates May The 4th Be With You!
Posted By Jay on May 3, 2013:
Amazing freebies!

The Clone Wars Takes Home Voice Acting Trophies
Posted By Eric on May 2, 2013:
Series wins People's Choice for Best TV Vocal Ensemble

Star Wars Origami Free May 4th Download
Posted By Dustin on May 2, 2013:
Workman Publishing Posts Fun Freebie

May The FETT Be With You
Posted By Dustin on May 2, 2013:
The Dented Helmet / MIMOBOT giveaway!

Mimoco: New Mimobot Coming May 4th
Posted By Chris on May 2, 2013:
Who will it be?

WeLoveFine Loves May The 4th
Posted By Dustin on May 2, 2013:
Contest winners and t-shirt sales all weekend!

May The Fourth Grant You Savings On A Great Book!
Posted By Dustin on May 2, 2013:
Gus and Duncan's Comprehensive Guide to Star Wars Collectibles

Star Wars Island In Geoffrey's Jungle
Posted By Dustin on May 2, 2013:
Toys "R" Us Celebrates May the 4th

Catalog Details For New Essential Characters Guide
Posted By Eric on May 2, 2013:
Synopsis, quick facts, and rough release date

Synopsis Posted For Star Wars: Kenobi
Posted By Eric on May 2, 2013:
"The Republic has fallen. Sith Lords rule the galaxy."

[TF.N Newsletter]
Enter Email Address:
Find Out More...
[All Posters]
Darth Vader with Lightsaber - Stand Up
AllPosters.com
Search For Posters, Cardboard Stand-Ups & T-Shirts!
[Rebelscum.com - Star Wars Collecting]
[TheForce.Net - FanFilms]
[TheForce.Net - FanForce] [TheForce.Net - Fan Art]
[More News...]
TheForce.Net - Your Daily Dose of Star Wars Entertainment Earth
THEFORCE.NET IS NOT ENDORSED BY LUCASFILM, LTD. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER. © 2024 COPYRIGHT TF.N, LLC
The Galaxy is Listening
Entertainment Earth
[TF.N Main] [TF.N FAQ] [Contact Us]