This Sunday will be a day long remembered for area Star Wars fans.

That is the day we will come together at Norfolk Scope to witness Star Wars in Concert.

It will be an event like no other. A live symphony (and choir!) will be performing the music from George Lucas’s much-beloved film saga. This live music experience will be hosted/narrated by C-3PO himself, Anthony Daniels.  Accompanying the music will be scenes from the films (presented on towering HD screens) and a laser light show. And as if that weren’t enough, authentic props and costumes from the films will also be on display.

In the original Star Wars (Episode IV to the initiated), “The Force” is described as that which ‘binds the galaxy together.’ For me, this is exactly what John Williams’s epic score does. It binds the series together. Every theme–loss, family, betrayal, good, evil and redemption–is accented by a musical cue. These cues are repeated throughout all six films, giving them an emotional center. As Star Wars in Concert will no doubt prove, Williams is not only one of the greatest composers of our time, but of all time.

The music also underscores memorable moments from the series. “The Force Theme” perfectly illustrates Luke’s longing for adventure as he looks out into the Tattooine sunset. “The Imperial March” conveys the size and might of the evil Empire. And “Battle of Heroes” emphasizes the loss of a friendship as Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi duel on Mustafar.

Star Wars was the first movie I ever saw in a theater.

Anthony Daniels in front of the orchestra with C-3PO onscreen in a scene from Star Wars In Concert.

I remember begging my dad to take me to see it. When he finally said we would go that weekend, I was so excited. Then the unthinkable happened. I caught pneumonia! It would be another several weeks before I got to go see it. But when finally we did (luckily this was the ’70s when movies stayed in theaters for months, sometimes a full year) it was that much more exciting.

When Return of the Jedi came out in 1983, Dad and I were going to go opening weekend, but I (accidentally) broke a window. I can still hear my dad saying “No Jedi!” Imagine having to listen to your friends talk about a movie you weren’t going to get to see. But, luckily, my dad was hooked on Star Wars too and he caved in. We saw it the following week.

For me, deep down at its very core, Star Wars will always be about spending time with my dad. When the prequel trilogy was released in 1999, 2002 and 2005 it was an honor for me to be able to take my dad to see them. Going to the concert is a great opportunity to connect with other fans who feel this same nostalgia and love of the movies. It’s amazing to me how Star Wars still resonates with so many people, as it does for me.

The Hampton Roads Rebellion was formed in 2006 to celebrate this mutual love of Star Wars. As a member of this local fan club, I have had the opportunity to support local charities and events by dressing up as an Imperial Officer and a Jedi. The adults want their pictures taken with you and kids want your autograph. I remember the joy I felt as a child when I would see anything having to do with Star Wars, and to give that joy to a new generation of Star Wars fans is very special.

A stormtrooper and a TIE Fighter Pilot from HRR. Photo courtesy Michael Shipp

The club provides a laid-back atmosphere in which fans can discuss and enjoy all things Star Wars. Even though the movies are finished, there is still a lot to talk about. There are countless books, comic books, video games and of course the Clone Wars Series on Cartoon Network.

But for a lot of us in the club, Star Wars is just a common ground. I have met great friends through the Hampton Roads Rebellion. It is like an extended family. And actually, from the time I was 6 years old and seeing Star Wars for the first time with my dad, to spending time with my ‘brothers’ in the HRR, Star Wars IS family!

The HRR has monthly meetings and does local events, both for fun and to support the community. If anyone is interested in joining our Fan Force, please visit our MySpace page at:  http://www.myspace.com/hrrebellion.

Star Wars in Concert will be performed this Sunday, November 8 at 7 pm at Norfolk Scope. Click here for details.