Lazer lights blaze over Ottawa's National Arts Centre Orchestra as they play themes from Sci-Fi TV shows and movies (Courtesy of National Arts Centre)
From the moment conductor Jack Everly raised his baton to begin the iconic fanfare from Star Wars while a green and turquoise laser light show blazed overhead, the excitement was high and remained so for the entire evening. George Takei, who played Mr. Sulu in the original Star Trek television series and six Star Trek movies, beamed down for the occasion to narrate two pieces in his distinctive baritone voice, leaving the audience star-struck.
The ambitious program included some of the best music from science fiction and fantasy television shows and movies. The prolific John Williams, whose film scores include Star Wars, E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Superman, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, composed more than half of the material.
Highlights included the dramatic theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey, a selection of Star Wars music, and the original Star Trek theme narrated by George Takei accompanied by the soaring wordless vocals of soprano Kristen Plumley. The black-clad Ewashko Singers, who added depth to the performances, wonderfully accompanied the orchestra, who wore white.
The preshow was a predictor of the evening to come. While some in the sold-out audience came dressed in suits, ties and dresses, others came more suitably attired for the occasion. Imperial Storm Troopers, Darth Vader, and Princess Leia were but a few of the costumes.
Many of the costumed folk were part of the Capital City Squad of the 501st Battalion, a local group of Star Wars enthusiasts who entertain at functions in support of children’s charities.
The first half of the program included a medley of television themes including X-Files and Lost in Space, as well as selections from Star Wars, Star Trek, E.T., and Independence Day. Tenor Mike Eldred won the audience over with his rendition of film songs such as “Can You Read My Mind?” from Superman. Kristen Plumley made a splash in her Star Trek costume and recited a French version of the introduction to the original Star Trek television show, which George Takei narrated in English.
During intermission, three youngsters competed for the best costume, which was awarded to a pint-sized Jedi warrior, Qui-Gon Jinn. Runners up included a young Anakin Skywalker, and Captain Rex from the animated Star Wars series. Captain Rex, portrayed by 10-year-old Koby Mitchell, was accompanied by his proud parents who travelled from Maberley, Ont. for the evening.
The final half of the show featured the awe-inspiring theme from 2001, while the melodic and mysterious music from Close Encounters contrasted with the light-hearted and fanciful theme from Harry Potter. The eerie score of the 1950s classic film The Day the Earth Stood Still was accompanied by the peaceful message from the movie’s alien character Klaatu, narrated by George Takei.
Kristen Plumley, decked out in a black sparkly evening gown, sang a touching duet of “When You Wish Upon a Star” with Mike Eldred. The evening closed on a high note with two William selections from Star Wars.
Conductor Jack Everly brought a cheer when he conducted the closing Throne Room piece with a small light sabre. Everly, who is principal pops conductor of the NACO as well as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, also conducted similar Sci-Fi Spectacular concerts in those cities as well as in Edmonton, Alberta.
Joyce MacPhee is an Ottawa writer and editor.
