‘Star Wars' saga reaches symphonic stage

It's like seeing “Star Wars” in person.

At least two important parts of it.

“Star Wars: In Concert” delivers a live 86-piece orchestra and one of the most famous movie characters in the world.

While the orchestra performs, Anthony Daniels, the actor who played the golden droid C-3PO, takes the stage in person to narrate the story while an enormous LED screen plays scenes from the films.

Music for the concert and video footage are taken from all six “Star Wars” films. And, like a rock show, it will have lasers.

“It's like a rock concert if you take away the rock side of it,” Daniels said, traveling on his tour bus that was “bumbling down a highway” toward Ohio. “I walk out dressed in a lounge suit to tell the audience the very simple story of ‘Star Wars' from beginning to end.”

He subs a tuxedo for the golden skin of his alter-ego, but the droid's spirit is there.

“There are moments when his character pops out of me, if you like,” Daniels said with a chuckle.

The music from John Williams' soundtracks is synchronized to the scenes on the screen, whether the theme be love, action, “dramatic, sort of Darth Vader-type moments or pure, beautiful music for Princess Leia or the crazy music to go with the Ewoks,” Daniels explained.

By the end of the concert, the basic story of the “Star Wars” saga has been played out. Daniels explained that the concert experience gets to the core of the story, stripping away unnecessary elements.

And he said it's great for anyone, “Star Wars” fans and nonfans alike.

“If you've never seen ‘Star Wars' and are kind of a bit embarrassed, come along and learn all about it. If you are a ‘Star Wars' fan and you come along in costume, you will absolutely love it ... And if you are a lover of symphonic music, come because this is a superb orchestra.”

Contact the writer:

444-1557, kevin.coffey@owh.com

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