WHO/WHAT: “Star Wars: In Concert”

WHEN/WHERE:on US Tour thru December

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THE SHORT WORD: Through an amazing convergence of sights and sounds, the entire “Star Wars” saga was vividly brought to life Tuesday at the Wachovia Arena. “Star Wars: In Concert” had everything – live orchestral music, newly edited film footage on a gigantic high-definition screen, brilliant lights and lasers, and live narration from one of the film series’ most-beloved actors. Anthony Daniels, who portrayed the droid C3PO in all six “Star Wars” films, told the fascinating story from start to finish, as maestro Dirk Brosse conducted the enormous and wonderful Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London. John Williams’ famous compositions never sounded better.

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THE HIGHLIGHTS: The three-story-tall, high-definition LED super screen behind the orchestra (one of the largest screen ever taken on tour, according to the publicity materials) was a dazzling delight. The lights, lasers, music and story were not too shabby either.

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THE SURPRISES: Even those of us who were never completely enamored with the whole “Star Wars” thing could easily follow the story as what originally took six films and over 30 years to tell was distilled into a fast-paced two hours.

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FAST FACTS: Two versions of the main theme from the first “Star Wars” film (“Episode IV: A New Hope”) reached the Billboard pop chart in 1977. Composer John Williams took his version to No. 10, while Meco hit No. 1 with “Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band.” Meco had three other Hot 100 “Star Wars” inspired hits: “Empire Strikes Back (Medley)” (No. 18 in June 1980), “What Can You Get a Wookie for Christmas (When He Already Owns a Comb),” (No. 69 in December 1980) and “Ewok Celebration” (No. 60 in July 1983).

**WHO/WHAT: “Star Wars: In Concert”

WHEN/WHERE:on US Tour thru December

GET TICKET HERE

***

THE SHORT WORD: Through an amazing convergence of sights and sounds, the entire “Star Wars” saga was vividly brought to life Tuesday at the Wachovia Arena. “Star Wars: In Concert” had everything – live orchestral music, newly edited film footage on a gigantic high-definition screen, brilliant lights and lasers, and live narration from one of the film series’ most-beloved actors. Anthony Daniels, who portrayed the droid C3PO in all six “Star Wars” films, told the fascinating story from start to finish, as maestro Dirk Brosse conducted the enormous and wonderful Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London. John Williams’ famous compositions never sounded better.

***

THE HIGHLIGHTS: The three-story-tall, high-definition LED super screen behind the orchestra (one of the largest screen ever taken on tour, according to the publicity materials) was a dazzling delight. The lights, lasers, music and story were not too shabby either.

***

Tour dates and tickets GET TICKET HERE

THE SURPRISES: Even those of us who were never completely enamored with the whole “Star Wars” thing could easily follow the story as what originally took six films and over 30 years to tell was distilled into a fast-paced two hours.

***

FAST FACTS: Two versions of the main theme from the first “Star Wars” film (“Episode IV: A New Hope”) reached the Billboard pop chart in 1977. Composer John Williams took his version to No. 10, while Meco hit No. 1 with “Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band.” Meco had three other Hot 100 “Star Wars” inspired hits: “Empire Strikes Back (Medley)” (No. 18 in June 1980), “What Can You Get a Wookie for Christmas (When He Already Owns a Comb),” (No. 69 in December 1980) and “Ewok Celebration” (No. 60 in July 1983).

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