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Last week I was
fortunate enough to the Boston performance of Star Wars: In Concert.
On Saturday night, with my 7-year old son in tow I headed to the TD
Garden for the show. After passing through the ticket gate, we rode
the escalator up to the level our seats were located on. As we
stepped off, we were suddenly wrapped up in all things Star Wars.
From the over-priced souvenir stands, to the amazing displays direct
from the LucasFilm archives and the amazing members of the local
501st and Rebel Legion, it felt like we were in the middle of a mini
Celebration convention. After taking a quick look at what was there
and snapping a few pictures, we headed down to our seats which
offered us a near-perfect view of the stage and it's massive
high-definition video screen.
As the lights
dimmed, our senses were assaulted by thunderous THX audio tag,
louder than I have ever heard before, then, just like with all six
movies the legendary 20th Century Fox theme rose up. Only this time,
instead of a recorded version with the on screen logo, it was live
complete with searchlights shining high into the Garden rafters.
What followed next was the ultimate geek-out moment for every
hard-core Star Wars fanatic. A silent venue, completely dark with
the exception of 10 bright blue words plastered across the screen.
The silence was soon shattered as the opening notes of John Williams
brilliant theme from Star Wars rose from the instruments of the
talented musicians seated on stage. As the music continued on the
large screen in front of us flashed images from the entire saga.
Images I have seen hundreds of times in my life but never so large
and rich with color and definition. Then, before I knew it the final
chords rang out and the entire audience was on it's feet with a
thunderous standing ovation that lasted until the theater once again
went dark. Only this time there was no silence, instead, between the
bursts of steam rising from the stage the heavy, labored breathing
of a Sith Lord could be heard. As the steam subsided, James Earl
Jones' voice filled the arena to introduce our host for the the
evening, none other that Anthony Daniels himself.
For the next two
hours were were treated to the most memorable pieces of music from
all six films. From the "Duel of Fates" to the "Imperial March" to
the "Cantina Theme" every rich note that hit the audience, acted as
a time machine, taking us back to the first time we sat in a dark
theater and heard those exact same compositions. In between the
musical and high-def vignettes, Mr. Daniels, with the right touch of
humor and reverence, set the stage for what would come next by
telling a story as only as someone who has lived this saga could.
From, Anakin's rise and fall all the way through his redemption by
his only son, Mr. Daniels spun stories that would have made his
celluloid counterpart C-3PO green with envy. As the concert wrapped
up with the orchestra performing the "Throne Room/End Titles" piece,
a feeling of sadness began to rise up inside of me. Realizing that
this potentially once in a lifetime experience was coming to an
all-too soon ending. As the orchestra, along with the conductor and
Mr. Daniels took their bows, Mr. Daniels looked up at the now
standing and applauding crowed and said to us "You don't think it's
over, do you?" and with that, the orchestra once again took their
seats and for a second time performed the "Imperial March", ending
the show the only way a Star Wars concert could truly be ended.
PHOTO GALLERIES
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