While The Clone Wars second season premiere debuts tonight, a second major Star Wars event is also making a debut of sorts, although it had a one night head start on Clone Wars — yup, Star Wars: In Concert opened its US tour last night at Anaheim’s Honda Center in California, and continues with a second performance tonight (that’s a double-hit for fans attending the concert and taping the Clone Wars premiere at home!)
Last night, thousands of audience members got to witness a brand new Star Wars experience for the first time in the US, one that included not only a live orchestra and choir conducted magnificently by Dirk Brossé, but also synchronized footage from all six Star Wars movies beaming from a huge high-def LED super-screen, a recorded intro by Vader voice actor James Earl Jones, and a brilliant series of introductions for each musical piece performed live by actor Anthony Daniels, who was able to thread the sequence of scores into a singular narrative spanning Episodes I-VI (in that order). Oh, and there were a few lasers and pyrotechnics thrown in for good measure.
Photo by David Iskra
While the narrative unfolded in episode order, the selected musical pieces roughly followed chronologically as well, but not exactly. For the Star Wars audiophiles out there, here’s the themes in the order played:
Star Wars Main Title
Duel of the Fates
Anakin’s Theme
Moisture Farm
The Flag Parade
Across the Stars
Battle of the Heroes
The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme)
Intermission
The Asteroid Field
Princess Leia’s Theme
Tales of a Jedi Knight
Cantina Band
Yoda’s Theme
TIE Fighter Attack
Luke and Leia
The Forest Battle
Light of the Force
Throne Room/End titles
Photo by David Iskra
In addition to 18 memorable selections from all six Star Wars scores, there was an expansive exhibit of original Star Wars costumes, props and artwork on display in the venue’s round-about lobby, which actually threatened to make a good portion of the audience miss the first few minutes of the opening score. The exhibit captivated so many upon entering that many seemed torn between staying in the lobby or entering the theater. In addition to the exhibit, members of the 501st and Rebel Legions were on hand for photo ops with fans, and at least four stands stocked full of exclusive Star Wars: In Concert memorabilia kept several eager collectors busy through the start of the performance.
The performance itself is fully-immersive: Anthony Daniels first sets the tone of the piece to come by placing it in the context of the saga as a whole. Daniels, incidentally, was the perfect choice for this role, not only because his character — C-3PO — has seen the events of the entire saga unfold, but because the actor delivers a riveting performance. On stage, the 3-story high-def screen projects the film footage with utter clarity, surrounded by a halo of low-res screens to enhance the tone of the imagery (this is most effective when Tatooine’s twin suns are displayed around the central footage of scenes taking place on the desert planet). Additionally, there are lasers, jets of steam, and even balls of fire thrown above the stage, most effectively during the Anakin and Obi-Wan duel on Mustafar for “Battle of the Heroes”.
The orchestra and choir, displayed front and center under a wash of light to complement the footage, is of course the centerpiece to the presentation, and the reason Star Wars: In Concert enjoyed a sold-out performance on opening night. Savvy fans are pretty familiar with the magic behind the movies, but rarely do we get to witness first-hand the magic behind the music.
For more information about Star Wars: In Concert, visit the official site here, and also check out our image series over at Flickr.com.
Tags: Celebrities, Star Wars in Concert
Does anyone really know what the “Hot Seat” package will get you? I bought 2 tickets at that level, and my co-workers bought the regular ones and got better seats than me!
For the extra $100 a ticket, I better get more than a freaking keychain or whatever!
Anyone have more info?
When is the date for San Diego or how can I see a schedule?
Hooray! Tickets for Chicago performances on Dec. 6th (1:00pm & 6:00pm)at the United Center go on sale Saturday, Oct. 17th @ 11:00 for general admission ~ no clue as to how much though! See ‘ya there!
To Amy in CT ~ How did you get “exclusive access passes” and what do they entitle the holder to that the “regular” tickets don’t?
I am looking to get tickets, and thought for sure I saw a commercial saying that this was coming to Vancouver, am I wrong?? I see no dates for Vancouver and have two young boys that would LOOOVVVEEEEEE the show!!! Anyone know??
Went to the Oct. 1st show with the Family. The Force was with us that night my friends. It was amazing!! The Choir did it for me. It sounded so incredible, I still get chills when I think of how perfect it all was. Anthony Daniels is just to cute, he is perfect for this show. He made us laugh and at times want to cry. He’s a true treasure to Star Wars. A must see for the family, A Star Wars Fan or just a Concert goer. We see John Williams every year at the Hollywood Bowl, We still love and admire his work. If it wasn’t for John this concert would not be possible.
As far as the Rebel Legion and The 501st, They made the night even better. Obi Shawn Rocks!!!
my mom bought tickets! Can’t wait!
~May the Force be with you.
I was really hoping to go to the star wars concert but of course, nothing ever comes out here to Arizona. I would use my entire lifes saving to go to that concert. When I first heard about, it was almost like I was in a dream. I was so excited I could heardly bear it, but when I look to see if it was coming to Pheonix, I got so mad and I even cried.
I think who ever was the person that decided to not go to Arizona, should reconsider and come to Pheonix.
I have a ticket to see the concert later this month. I was wondering what the appropriate dress would be for this?
We got front row seats for here in Atlanta at regular prices as the seats for all the VIP packages were more expensive and farther away. We were told that our Hyperspace memberships would get us into the displays early anyway. Has anyone been that can confirm this? Thanks!
QUESTION TO THOSE WHO’VE ALREADY BEEN!!!
Where are the best seats? Is floor too close for the big screen? How was the view from the bleacher seats?? I know it differs from place to place, but before I buy tickets I’d like to know the best seats for the best price…. thx
hey Nate.. I saw the show here in Sacramento at Arco Arena. Yes, the floor seats are not good for seeing the big screens. The lower bowl seats, about half-way up, would be awesome. I was on the second deck over looking the lower bowl, and I was in the first row, right on the 50 yard line to the screen and it was perfect. Tickets prices were 75 for the floor, 55 for lower bowl, and 35 for up top. the show is amazing! Have a great time!
I saw it at The Nokia in L.A. on Wednesday, October 7th. It was a spectacular show! I was in the 12th row center and it renewed my love for Star Wars. I could not get enough of the lasers, the fire shooting from the stage, and seeing the orchestra play my favorite music. I even brought my blue Force FX lightsaber which added to the excitement.
I found out the following morning that George Lucas himself was there!!! What a madhouse it would have been had everyone known.
Anyone know how I can purchase tickets for the December 3rd, 2009 concert at the Quicken Loan Arena, in Cleveland, OH? The concert was sold out in one minute.
I was there on opening night, October 1st. It was FANTASTIC!!! My only regret is my younger brother was not there to share it with me because he past away 21 years ago on October 1st, 1988. I knew he was with me in spirit, like Obi-wan Kenobi. To hear the music on record or CD is one thing, but live is a totally different experience. I actually cried at the beginning because of the gush of emotions running through me. If anyone has not seen this yet, GO SEE THIS!!!. May the force be with you.
My best frind just bought tickets for me, my wife and my 6-year-old daughter to see STAR WARS IN CONCERT in Omaha on December 8. Needless to say, I was flabbergasted and am awaiting this with an anticipation level I haven’t felt since the last film.
Hi, does anyone know if this tour will come to Europe?? That would be really great…I won’t tell my 12 year old son about this concert if not as he will be totally disapointed. He can’t get enough of Star Wars in any shape or form, been that way for years already……
Please bring this event to Vanvouver, BC
I too live in Vancouver, BC. I don’t see any Western locations listed. Let me know if you hear of anything. Would make a great night out with the kids!
I just saw it in Tulsa tonight and it was all that I hoped it would be. Floor seats are great but still good in the nosebleeds. Anthony Daniels was great, the orchestra was great, the props were great(though i wished for more) it was all well worth the expense.
queria que esse evento acontecesse em todos os lugares do mundo…no brasil,america,europa,asia etc…
sorry everyone from vancouver bc who wanted to see the concert…it was here in seattle on oct. 13 and was amazing-but i think thats as close as it is getting to you.
Did I miss it or did someone say how long it was? I am wondering how long it is from start to finish.
I am wondering how long it is from start to finish? Not a fan at all but 9 year old is, Am I wasting my $$ ?
I got esact center of the front row. It was Awsome!
The empire still lives!
I am taking my son to the Manchester show for a birthday surprise – he will be 5.
I was wondering what they might sell there as far as merchandise? is it just clothes? or do they sell light sabers etc. as well?
thx
BF
In my opinion it was worth the money but that is because im a big fan of star wars and i went for my best friends birthday.
how long does the Star Wars concert last time wise? Thank you,Tim Schroeder
The show runs for 2 hours including the intermission.
I’d like to dress up in my Padme costume for the concert. Where other fans dressed up for the event?
Saw Providence show last night. Not a SW Geek but show was absolutely SPECTACULAR!
1st row tickets – this BETTER be good!
i saw this in philly last night at wacovia center and it was awesome people were dressed up left and right seats were dead center and 6 rows off the floor and acoustically it was perfect definitely something you dont even need to be a fan of to enjoy, they also had original costumes on display(vader chewbacca,) which was awesome
how long the show is?
Was there loud pyrotechnics, have young nephew who does not like them??
Are the pyrotechnics loud like exsplosive?
Are there any 2010 tour dates planned for an East Coast encore?
Really? Yes is there going to be any tour dates on east coast?
Saw this tonite in Chicago. My sister was in the the choir. It is was AWESOME!!!!
Does anyone know what the name of the orchestra was that performed the show in Chicago at the United Center?? It was amazing by the way! I was suprised when I saw Anthony Daniels because I did not know that he was going to be there! haha, but the show was breathtaking!!! GO SEE IT!!!!
I went to the 1:00 p.m. show in Chicago with my cousin Courtney and my dad. I have to say the show was absolutely AMAZING! The exhibit with all the original props made it even better! During the show I had to keep reminding myself that there was a live orchestra there playing the songs and not a CD. The orchestra and choir sounded perfect! I didn’t hear one bad note! Amazing job! They should be proud!
Is there any chance of Stars Wars in concert coming to Ireland
Hi there.
I was wonding if there will be a concert on the 30th april this year, because it will be my 36th birthday.
Thankyou
Yours sincery
Stephen Mutton (Jedi Master)
Oh Yes:
I forget to mention that I am also organising a Lightsaber Duel in Worthing on the 3rd April this year and if anybody would like to take part you will need a lightsaber.
Is there any other middle class family out there stunned by the price of tickets? I have a 12 and 8 yr. old committed to their instruments and undying fans of the Star Wars soundtrack and movies. However a price tag exceeding $450 for our family is just not conceivable. I guess I am just taken aback that a concert that appeals to children nationwide would come at such a high price so as to exclude so many families.
Went to see the show in Antwerp (Belgium) yesterday.
As a Star Wars fan from the early days, this sure brings back al lot of memories.
A must see 2hours + spectacle for everyone.
How young is too young for this show? We have a small child who loves all the Star Wars music, but I’m wondering if it will be too much for her…
I got my tickets for June 5 for San Antonio, and I was wondering if they’ll allow us to dress up in costume? Also, have other people dressed up for the concert in the past?
Ah, Chris: fell victim to the Lucas-mind-trick, you did. Just think: you could easily spend the same on a night at any pro sports event…….sadly.
Think of it as helping to pay for all the films.