Why you should see 'Star Wars' in concert

Saturday was a day that I will never forget.

The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra played Star Wars A New Hope feature film with the orchestra and let me just say that it really was an experience.

'Star Wars A New Hope' Live in the Sioux City Orpheum.

My friend and I bought our tickets the day before and I originally wasn’t going to go because tickets were really expensive. However, when I saw her we had to purchase our tickets and knowing that I was going to this concert got me through the week.

I was watching The Last Jedi right before going to the theatre and I was already emotional so it didn’t help knowing I was going to be even more emotional as the night progressed.

My friend and I were driving to the Orpheum as we were dodging Sioux City construction and when we arrived we saw the stormtroopers outside and I could not believe what I was seeing.

We walked inside and there was so many people inside the Orpheum and then I saw the many characters.

Me and some of the Stormtroopers.

I saw Chewbacca, Darth Vader, the rebels and I even held a lightsaber. It felt amazing to be in a place with so much energy and seeing everyone excited to watch a Star Wars movie. Even seeing these Star Wars characters was amazing. It’s like the world came alive and I was there, surrounded by other fans.

Me and Chewbacca.

Me with Lord Vader.

Me with some of the members of the Rebellion.

My friend and I were in the balcony and the show soon started a little bit later.

The opening crawl played and I instantly got goosebumps, the crowd was screaming and everyone was clapping. Words cannot describe how amazing this opportunity was.

From hearing “Inner City,” “The Last Battle” and the “TIE fighter attack” were some of my favorites. But when all of these songs played I instantly got goosebumps. Everyone was on the edge of their seat to hear and to watch the symphony.  

There was one intermission during the show and then there was a costume contest. Darth Vader revealed won the best overall costume and there was even a little kid who dressed up as RD-D2 who won as well.

Ryan Haskins, who directed the show, in my opinion did a great job. He had the movie playing right above his sheet music so he could match the movie along with the music.

The whole orchestra also did a great job when they were performing. However, seeing this live made me realize how much of the film did not have music accompany it. There would be three 15 minute spots where music wasn’t playing and I did think it was odd not seeing music play during that time.

I would overall recommend seeing Star Wars in concert to anyone. I am a huge Star Wars fan so being able to see this live was an amazing opportunity. The energy was there, the fans were cheering, and I was honestly sad when it was over.

If I had the money, I would go see it again. This was truly an experience for all ages.  

For more information about the Sioux City Orchestra, you can visit their website http://orpheumlive.com/event/star-wars/.