By David Iskra
It seems like only a few days ago I was packing display pieces in the archives at Skywalker Ranch and watching sets being loaded for shipping overseas from a rural Pennsylvania town. Next thing I know, I was getting off a plane and into a van full of people driving on the wrong side of the street.
Without warning, our driver pulled up to a set of nondescript buildings, one with the word "Elstree" on the side. Before I could put two and two together, I found myself standing outside the George Lucas soundstage where it all began.
Could this really be happening? Could Star Wars: A Musical Journey really be rehearsing at ground zero for the original Star Wars? Indeed it was, or at least it did. That was three days ago. The entire production has since packed up its enormous set and moved to the O2 for the final rehearsals.
Sorry I didn't fill you in earlier, but it has been hectic to say the least. There is so much work to be done. Lucasfilm and Another Planet Entertainment have something special on their hands and they are taking every step necessary to make sure that the powerful performance we saw at the Elstree rehearsals is recreated this Friday at the premiere.
The giant LED screen is truly a sight to behold and the orchestra is a gathering of raw talent that has to be seen (and heard!) to be believed. You may think you know the soundtracks, but trust me, you haven't heard them like this.
Throw in goldenrod himself, Mr. Anthony Daniels, along with an exhibit full of Star Wars history, and you've got a night on the town unlike anything you've ever experienced.
It is only fitting that London is the setting for the debut of this show. The city, like the show, is classy, hip and modern. It's a cutting-edge place for a cutting-edge show. Trust us, this city will be buzzing come Monday.
I know a lot of people are shouting "Come to my city!" -- Don't worry. We are.
Keep an eye out for my next update where I will give you a sneak peek into our traveling exhibit. I don't want to give too much away but let's just say the scenic shop had to create something called a "universal restraint" to keep a certain bounty hunter secure in the cargo hold for its transport...
