The “Star Wars” series has been catching the imagination of at least three generations since it began, and it is one of those that will probably captivate many more to come. The six episodes that comprise the whole story of love, treason and war in a “galaxy far, far away” is something that we can all relate to. We all have a favorite scene and character. But “Star Wars”, like everything that becomes a cult, is more than just six movies: it has given ground to a whole universe of spin-offs created by the fans, like Wookiepedia or the Jedi Church.
“Star Wars in Concert” is the latest, George Lucas branded, “Star Wars” spin-off and is nothing short of spectacular. The concept behind it? Take John Williams’s score for the six episodes and make it the center piece of a show by putting the Royal Philarmonica Concert Orchestra (RPCO) to play it, directed by Dirk Brossé. If you don’t know what the RPCO is I’m sure that names like Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti or Dionne Warwick are familiar: The RPCO has played with all of them and is currently preparing a show with Julie Andrews, yes, the lady from “The Sound of Music”.
To go with the “Star Wars” score, George Lucas has personally edited scenes from all the six episodes, divided by themes, in what could be described as the best way to understand Star Wars. The editing is absolutely perfect and it mixes scenes from the older episodes with the new ones making it all blend and make sense.
Narrated by Anthony Daniels, the only actor that participated, in the role of C-3pO, in all the movies, the show is fast paced, touching, funny and intense, just like “Star Wars” is, and the one hour and a half that the show takes, with a 20 minutes intermission, goes by in a breeze.
Technically and logistically the show is nothing but amazing: One of the biggest video screens ever built is surrounded by four LED screens that are used to show moving images relating to what is showing on the screen as well as live images from the orchestra. Lasers and intelligent light design setup the the tone during the whole show and everything seems to fit without being too much. Fifteen trucks are taking the tour, at the moment, throughout Europe and, I was told, it takes (only) 12h to setup the whole thing on any given venue.
Is this a must see? It is! Whether you are a Star Wars fan or just curious, you should go and see it if you can. Also, if you are someone that appreciates listening to a philharmonic orchestra interpreting some of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed for a soundtrack by an irrepressible orchestra, this is a show for you.
My personal highlights are, without a doubt, the amazing sound design produced by Frederick Vogler for the show and the part of the show when the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra plays the “Mad About Me” a.k.a. “The Cantina Band” song. On the down side of the whole show the supporting exhibition of “Star Wars” memorabilia: It features the whole, never seen, George Lucas’s private collection but, compared to the official “Star Wars” exhibition it just fails short even if you can take a picture with Imperial soldiers and Darth Vader (but kids will love it).
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“Star Wars in Concert” is currently touring in Europe and will then head to the United States. Make sure you don’t miss it.Check out the tour dates here.
Thanks to João Brilhante from Mandrake for giving me a Media Pass so I could take pictures of the show.
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