Being a lifelong Star Wars fan I was intrigued when I heard about the new multimedia experience, Star Wars: In Concert. Billed as a live orchestra experience, with narrative by Anthony Daniels (the voice and persona of C3P0) and framed by a cutting edge video and audio experience the show seemed too good to be true. I can easily say after seeing the show recently on it's Ottawa, Canada leg of the tour it is even better then you could imagine. My excitement during the concert was captured as I live twittered the event
The show began with a dimming of lights and the full orchestra with choir being bathed in purple light. The conductor took the stage and with a raise of hands the iconic Star Wars opening theme started playing live with the typical scrolling words appearing on the huge HD display. Goosebumps immediately popped out on my arms and I smiled realizing that this was going to be a true Star Wars experience.
Once the opening theme was complete Anthony Daniels took to the stage and showed us what his role would be, showman. Normally tucked behind his C3P0 persona I had no idea how energetic, personable and charismatic he was. Once Daniels took the stage the premise behind Star Wars: In Concert became clear.
Anthony Daniels role in this show is as the narrator. The experience is separated into themes that Daniels introduces by staging the event. The first theme was the rise of the Sith in opposition to the peaceful, but complacent, Jedi order. Daniels eloquently framed the Star Wars universe, talked about the wide spanning Old Republic and how a new menace was rising...a Phantom Menace.
With those last ominous words the orchestra starting playing under the expert conducting skills of Dirk Brossé. The music was somber, the lighting was subdued and video images of the Sith and the heroes who opposed them began flashing on the display.
The show continued in this format with themes being introduced by Anthony Daniels covering things like Anakin's rise, the Millenium Falcon/Han Solo and Princess Leia among many others. During each of these themes we were presented with stunning HD visuals and audio expertly mixed so as not to overshadow the orchestrated music. Iconic compositions like the 'Duel of the Fates' and the 'Imperial March' stunned the crowd and suited the tone and pacing perfectly.
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