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From a galaxy far, far away, "Star Wars in Concert" blasts into Time Warner Cable Arena Saturday.
The concert will center around a symphony and choir performing the music of composer John Williams, as montages from all six "Star Wars" films are projected on a three-story LED screen. The event also will feature props and costumes on display for the first time.
In an interview last week, actor Anthony Daniels - who played C3-PO and serves as the concert's host - talked about the music and his 30-plus-year "Star Wars" journey.
Q. I read you had no interest in sci-fi when you were offered the part for the original "Star Wars" movie. What changed your mind?
The fact that I did go and meet George Lucas. There was a concept painting by Ralph McQuarrie on the wall that showed a very interesting figure with a forlorn and questioning expression. I was captivated by the image.
Q. What were your expectations for the film?
I didn't have any, but all these years later, here I am. I have embraced "Star Wars" totally, and what I love about the concerts is that I'm reawakening people's memories - the joys they experienced right at the beginning. More importantly for me is sharing John Williams' music. It's very easy to take the music for granted in the film because there's so much going on.
Q. Do you remember the first time you heard the music?
Very much so. I put my voice back on the film, and there was no music then. I was watching ordinary scenes that were frankly very ordinary until George added classical music. Then I realized why you have film music. Of course I saw the finished film and I was astounded. The next year I conducted, in my gold suit, the Boston Pops and the London Symphony. I've been to so many of John's scoring sessions. He does it in London at Abbey Road. I watch him hearing his music for the first time. He composes it on the piano, and for him to hear it with an orchestra for the first time is a big buzz for him.
Q. What do you want the audience to take away from the show?
I know for many people it will be the first time they've been to a symphony concert, and what I want is for people to go to another concert. Stop listening to pop music for a moment and go hear a live symphony orchestra playing Beethoven or Tchaikovsky. So many grand orchestral composers of the classic form are quoted in John's work. There are echoes.
Q. You aren't wearing your gold suit this time around?
I'm wearing a black suit. "Star Wars in Concert" is my moment to be myself. The gold suit is in the exhibition outside. So get there early.
Q. I was once in an elevator with you and didn't know it was you until you spoke. Are you able to turn the voice on and off to mess with people?
I do, particularly for little children. Their parents say, "This is the guy that played C3-PO," and they are very uninterested. Then I do the voice and their little faces light up.
