Review of Star Wars in Concert!!
November 15, 2009
Wachovia Center – Philadelphia, PA
by Ms.MaraJade
Well, I had this wonderful review written in my head last night before I went to sleep, but as it goes, when I don’t write it down at that moment, I lose it. With that said, I can honestly say that Star Wars in Concert was a demonstration of how music tells a story. The visuals that were provided are the same scenes we have ingrained in our memories from watching the movies, but to see them played nearly silent while a full orchestra told the story was a fabulous and phenomenonal experience I hope to never forget.
Of course, all the “videos” provided were pretty much exactly the same ones that were on the bonus DVD that came with my Episode III soundtrack. But, there was something unique about watching the story unfold…LIVE. Although I lived on my soundtracks for years, the live performance enhanced the notes and the swells in the music, most primarily “Princess Leia’s Theme” and “Yoda’s Theme,” in which certain chords and pieces of the arrangement struck me so intensely that I couldn’t help choking up over the simple BEAUTY that the music holds. I can’t say it enough: John Williams is a musical genius, and to see his works celebrated in such a way was just breath taking!
Anthony Daniels did a superb job playing emcee during the night’s performances. Say what you will about the man who played a prissy droid in the movies, but he didn’t make one single verbal flub all night! He had flawlessly executed his words, and it was always a treat when he fell into the C-3P0 role, spouting movie lines and portraying a human version of that protocol droid. Pure magic!
The costumes and props were very limited, but with a large crowd moving about the concourse to see everything and take pictures, anything more would probably have brought traffic to a complete standstill. Members of the Philly 501st and Rebel Legion made appearances in the costumes of Star Wars favorites. I saw Stormtroopers, a Sandtrooper, an AT-AT Driver, Jango Fett, Boba Fett, Princess Leia, a female Rebel Pilot, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and a couple more. It made me regret not wearing my Jedi costume so that I could have some real fun with those costuming group members!
The star of the night, though, truly was the music, and the orchestra was just amazing to watch and hear. The percussion section had a wonderful time playing their Jizz Band Swing on the “Cantina Band” piece, and even the conductor had his moments to engage in a small role, playing off some of Daniels’ quirkiness. One of the most amazing pieces of the night, however, was the concert version of the Ewok Battle Sequence. I found it was immensely exciting to watch the orchestra, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away long enough to look at the movie clips playing on the widescreen.
I’m truly glad I was able to save up the funds to experience this event, and if anyone else is able to do so as well, I would highly recommend you give yourself a “Night at the Star Wars Opera” (minus the opera singers, of course!) and indulge in John William’s magic, his gift of music.
One of my many "fangirl" moments of the night. Boba Fett actually looks like he's protecting me. (We Mandos have to stick together...) The Stormtrooper and Rebel were bonuses!
Subject: Star Wars Music Tour 
Sat Aug 01, 2009 5:09 pm
