The show, presented by Kellogg's as part of a pan-European promotion that features Episode I: The Phantom Menace on cereal packaging and in-pack premiums, combines the elements of a museum exhibit, rock 'n' roll tour, stage show, arcade and shopping trip in a 20,000 square-foot multi-story exhibit space that employs the latest lighting, sound and other effects equipment.
The show plays the Manchester Evening News Arena in Manchester, England June 24 to 27, moves to London's Wembley arena for an extended stay July 1 to 11, and then moves on to cities in Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. In most cases, the show precedes the opening of Episode I. The complete schedule provides more details. Tickets are available in advance at the usual ticket agencies in each country or at the door.
One of the show's highlights is a full-sized chrome and yellow royal Naboo starfighter. The spacecraft, which weighs more than one ton, was actually built full scale and used on the set of the Theed Hangar at Leavesden Studios outside of London for the filming of Episode I. On the set, the four large fighters didn't move; their flying in The Phantom Menace is accomplished with small-scale models and computer graphics.
But the show's Creative Director and its Producer, Mary and Peter Aiken, were determined to do the near impossible. They have succeeded -- with the help of a one-ton rig, smoke and spectacular lighting effects -- and made the Naboo starfighter fly right in front of astonished spectators. But before the craft can take off to join the self-defense forces of Naboo, the pilot radios that his stabilizer has malfunctioned. With only 20 seconds to launch, can a trusty R2 unit in the droid socket come to the rescue? Well, it is a Star Wars experience.
The show starts in the "Great Hall," where a giant rotating carousel showcases the images of European mythological heroes ranging form King Arthur to Thor. A medieval damsel explains George Lucas' purpose in trying to create a new myth with long roots for the Star Wars saga, and introduces a specially-commissioned short film in which a bard explains the essence of myths and storytelling, and how they relate to Star Wars. Surrounding the audience are large panels that track the classic stages of a hero's journey, both in mythology and in that special galaxy far, far away. The show's mythology consultant was Dáithi Ó Hógáin, associate professor of Irish Folklore at University College Dublin.
The next room is a 300-seat cinema showing a specially-edited 15-minute film in which writer/director George Lucas himself explains the mythological roots of the saga, and highlights of the classic Trilogy are used to illustrate his points. The two
Giant lenticular displays show Episode I to Classic trilogy transitions, from young Anakin Skywalker to evil Darth Vader, from young Obi-Wan Kenobi to a wizened Jedi Master, along with two faces of Queen Amidala. Other large portraits highlight Darth Maul, Jar Jar Binks and a Battle Droid, surrounded by concept and development art. It's in the Gallery that Vader and two stormtroopers come to life in a staged performance, although more kids want to take photos and try to touch the cloak of the Dark Lord of the Sith than to run away.
Following the Naboo starfighter show, attendees have a chance to play the new LucasArts video game, Episode I Racer, on one of 92 Nintendo machine pods, each with two controllers. Players can take control of any of the Podracers and go head-to-head on any number of different Podracing courses.
The show's overall creative strategy was managed for Kellogg's by David Walker, who is responsible for marketing in the U.K. and Ireland and cross-European promotions.
