The Force Was Strong: Return Of The Jedi At Orchestra Hall
The final movie of the original trilogy, Return Of The Jedi has always had its own special room in my heart. Having been introduced early by my parents to the Star Wars universe, the VHS of each of the OG films are extremely well-loved and worn from hundreds of viewings in our household growing up. Having missed the first two presentations of A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back by the Minnesota Orchestra earlier in the year, was NOT going to miss out on my personal favorite of the infamous trio.
Been a bit since haunting the beautiful Orchestra Hall, got there a little early after having a bit of pizza and a pint across the street at Devil’s Advocate. Beautiful space, friendly staff. Will definitely be back for a fancy dinner sometime soon, apparently the pasta is divine. Got myself over the the Hall in about a minute from the restaurant, oodles of people buzzing around outside in a wide variety of outfits. Many Star Wars inspired, but some just looked really cool. Since it is a bit more prestigious space, I did wear opt to wear my IMAX hoodie versus the typical label-less solid black one. Wanted to look cool with my fellow nerds, and did get a few compliments. Score.
Inside Orchestra Hall is just neat to walk around. Dripping in blue light with tons of glass and interesting lines, your eye wanders the interior while people watching with plenty to feast upon. The second level had merch, so ran up to peep the offerings after snagging a 12 OZ Surly Furious (they nicely pour it into an oversized cup to avoid spilling inside the theater and less patron-produced noise via tempting aluminum fidgeting, thankfully.) Fell into the trap, had to get a $40 Camp Endor shirt with fan-favorite ewok Wicket as the mascot. After procuring my slick new tee, walked back downstairs to find my seats.
Conductor Sarah Hicks lead the orchestra stunningly. Wrangling that many musicians is a feat, and she makes it look like second nature. Watching everyone move and flow with each other, bringing those scenes so many people have watched and relished for decades. Honestly, got lost sometimes inside the film, forgetting there was a live orchestra because is was that perfect. Kicking myself for missing the first two original films in concert, it was the fasted two-something hours I’ve spent enjoying music in a long time. My only main critique are some of the scenes in the 1997 edition which was the one used for the score. The juvenile re-edits and poor CGI done by Lucas’ team were not enjoyed then when released, and definitely not enjoyed contemporarily. But other than the kookie ‘97 movie ‘remastering,’ everything about the night’s experience was out of this world.
It should be required as a Minnesotan, or any music lover, to see immense talent of the Minnesota Orchestra in concert. 11/10.
