November 3rd was the Atlanta showing of Star Wars: In Concert.
If you’re still waiting your turn (or trying to decide if you want to spend the money on an upcoming show), it is SO worth going! I won’t spoil it. (Although really, can you spoil it?) But the multimedia is mind-blowing. The montages really make you look at the story in a different way. And hearing a live symphony so obviously well-rehearsed on the music is magical.
Anthony Daniels spins a magical tale. Yes, we all know the story. But the way he tells it is a wonderful take on the individual characters and the overarching saga. And, as anyone who has seen him at a convention knows, he knows how to work a crowd.
The only negative I would give (at least at our show) was that the micing for the choir was a bit off. Admittedly, I’m a bit of a choir snob, but there was a mic near one tenor that made him stick out SO much. (Thankfully, he was correct and in tune the whole time.) But they sounded amazing, even for all that.
Some tips:
- Seating Recommendations – If you have yet to buy tickets (and Atlanta was only half-full, so you may not be too late), I’d go with the floor, but in the second or third section back. Too close to the stage and you won’t get the full effect of all the, um, effects. Plus, there is fire, people. Major fire. I was in the back floor section and it was hot back there!
- If you can’t afford the lower seats, go for closer to the stage. The way it’s set up, you’ll still see everything, but still get to see some detail.
- Get there as soon as the doors open. – This is people-watching at its finest. I saw everything from toddlers to someone who had to be in his mid-80’s. Every five minutes or so, a kid would excitedly yell out, “Star Wars!” (And we adults happily took up the call.) There are also archive set-ups featuring stuff I have never seen at the many exhibitions I’ve been to. With the crowds, it will take a while to see them all. Plus, watching the 501st work the crowd is always amusing.
- Save up your pennies for the store. – There are some wonderfully clever designs to be had that don’t come across on the website. Having tried on all of my goodies, I would recommend buying up one size if you don’t like tight-fitting shirts or jackets.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It did my little geeky heart good. I will end with a quote from my friend (and Dragon*Con Star Wars track director) Brandy Roatsey: “Every time you watch the Saga or hear the music it’s like renewing your vows and falling in love all over again!”
I saw it on Sunday in Tampa and it was amazing. The music has always been one of my favorite parts of the saga, and it was fantastic to hear the themes I love played by a live orchestra. And I agree with you that the montages make the story come across in a different way. It’s so easy to pick apart parts of the movies we don’t like, and forget the amazing story at the core.
I had the same issue with the choir, and it wasn’t just the micing. I honestly didn’t think the choir was big enough to cut through the wall of sound that the orchestra was making. Also, they were waaaaaaay behind re: tempi. Other than that, this was one of the most enjoyable concerts I’ve been to in a long while. Great review!
To be fair, it would be prohibitively expensive to travel a choir big enough to do those pieces justice. But if they got the sound mix correct, they could have pulled it off.