'Star Wars' goes from classic movie to classical music

When Anthony Daniels looks out over an audience of light saber-waving "Star Wars" fans that have come to hear a concert based on music from the epic movie series, it warms his heart.

"I see people ages 12 to 94, some of them coming to a musical concert for the first time, and the reactions are amazing," says the man who had played droid C-3PO in all six "Star Wars" films as well as the animated Cartoon Network "Clone Wars" series.

"If we get one young person at each concert to appreciate orchestral music, well, then it's worth it," says Daniels, who is touring the country in "Star Wars: In Concert."

Featuring an 86-piece orchestra, a chorus of 80 singers, and selections from the six film scores Academy Award-winning composer John Williams wrote for the "Star Wars" movies, this sci-fi musical event also includes scenes from the films, a laser show and Daniels narrating the saga.

The event also includes an exhibit of "Star Wars" props, production artwork, behind the scenes videos and and costumes, including C-3PO. The exhibit features many classic fan favorite artifacts, as well as several new and never-before-seen items, including blasters and helmets from Coruscant, Tatooine and other iconic "Star Wars" locations.

There is a complete Darth Vader outfit, a hornlike headdress Natalie Portman wore as Princess Amidala as well as Chewbacca, Yoda and Boba Fett costumes.

"Star Wars: In Concert" plays the St. Pete Times Forum at 4 p.m. Sunday. And, yes, a lot of "Star Wars" fans come in costume.

"I tell the story from beginning to end in a linear fashion so it explains everything. And for me, it's a chance to step out from behind C-3PO and be myself," Daniels said in a recent telephone interview.

Daniels, a classically trained actor who was never a sci-fi buff, owns his career to an endearing, shiny, fussy robot.

"People love C-3PO because they identify with his plight," says Daniels. "He was programmed to be in the diplomatic service and he keeps getting in these action adventures that are over his head."

As C-3PO, he has the first line in the first "Star Wars" (1977) and the last line in the last film,"Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith" (2005).

"The concert adds a new appreciation for the films and the music," Daniels adds. He says composer Williams "is creating the classical music for our lifetimes," comparing him to modern day Richard Wagner.

George Lucas, creator of the "Star Wars" saga has said the concert combines "key themes from the music and key images from the films that fit with each theme."

For information and tickets go to www.stpetetimesforum.com.