Force is with “Star Wars” concert
Music Review
Mary Jessup, Staff Writer
photo: Catherine Roberts
Before “Star Wars: In Concert” last Tuesday, the BOK Center was populated with costumed fans ranging from Yoda to Obi-Wan Kenobi to Boba Fett. Unfortunately, Leia slave outfits were nowhere to be found.
On stage, the musicians played in front of a giant screen showing footage from the films as well as video of the performers. Well-balanced, controlled and passionate, the orchestra handled Williams’ score with respect and ease.
The concert followed the Star Wars storyline chronologically, starting with the threat to the Republic in “The Phantom Menace” up through the fall of the Empire in “Return of the Jedi.” Pieces were used to represent characters, such as Darth Vader and the droids C-3PO and R2-D2, as well as events like the final battle on the Endor moon.
The music portrayed relationships, too. Anakin and Padme had their own tender ballad, but there was no hope in their song, only foreboding sadness. Later, Han and Leia’s song portrayed a less fatal love, characterized by a brave flute part.
Like the films, the concert had a few shortcomings. Podracing did not need a five minute song. The pyrotechnics were cool, but only used during on-screen space explosions—not particularly groundbreaking. The short laser show directly after intermission was an interesting idea because the lasers looked like giant lightsabers, but the effects did not evolve much beyond that.
The encore, however, was breathtaking. The Imperial March let every audience member experience the barely-controlled fury that courses through Sith Lord Vader. There were no fancy effects or on-screen graphics needed, just pure white lights framing the performers in splendor.
While the footage came from different movies and decades, “Star Wars: In Concert” pieced together the central themes running the course of the saga, reminding everyone that, even though these characters struggled a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, their emotions and connections are universal.
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