From TOLEDO ALLIANCE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
On Saturday, May 4, 2019, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) will present “Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert” at the Huntington Center in celebration of National Star Wars Day. Local area restaurants, businesses, and coffee establishments are partnering with the TSO to promote special deals and themed-nights leading up to the event.
The featured event of the day will take place at the Huntington Center at 8 p.m. on May the Fourth. The Toledo Symphony will present “Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert,” a screening of the 1977 film on a gigantic, high-definition screen while over 70 musicians of the Toledo Symphony perform John Williams’ Oscar-winning score live and in-sync with the movie. In 2005, the American Film Institute selected Williams’ score to 1977’s “Star Wars: A New Hope” as the greatest American film score of all time.
Steven Jarvi, acclaimed conductor and Interim Artistic Director of the Charlottesville Opera, will conduct. Tickets start at $27 and may be purchased through the Toledo Symphony Box Office by calling 419-246-8000, in person at the Toledo Symphony Box Office located 1838 Parkwood Avenue, in person at the Huntington Box Office located at 500 Jefferson Avenue, or by visiting ticketmaster.com
“We are all about breaking down what people perceive orchestral music to be,” says Zak Vassar, President and CEO of the Toledo Symphony. “Orchestral music always had deep roots in pop culture, and the entire Star Wars franchise is a perfect example of that. The music John Williams wrote for Star Wars is iconic, and it’s part of what makes the films so memorable and transcend generations.”
John Williams has received five Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, seven British Academy Film Awards, five Emmy Awards, and 23 Grammy Awards. With 51 Academy Award nominations, Williams is the Academy’s most nominated living person and the second most-nominated individual in history, after Walt Disney. Williams scored all eight of the Star Wars saga films to date, beginning with 1977’s “Star Wars: A New Hope” for which he earned an Academy Award® for Best Original Score. His scores for “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Return of the Jedi,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens, “and most recently, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” were each nominated for Best Original Score. In 2005, the American Film Institute selected Williams’ score to 1977’s “Star Wars: A New Hope” as the greatest American film score of all time.
“This event would not be possible without support from the Dana Charitable Foundation,” says Vassar. “They have been a long-standing advocate for the arts in Toledo, and we are happy to be able to present Star Wars: A New Hope—one of the greatest films of all time—with our exceptional musicians during our 75th Anniversary Season.”
COSTUME CONTEST
Dressing up as Star Wars characters is encouraged. Concert goers may also enter a costume contest for a chance to win signed memorabilia, concert tickets, various prizes from area businesses, and most importantly, bragging rights. Those who wish to enter the costume contest must purchase a ticket through the Toledo Symphony Box Office by calling 419-246-8000 or by visiting ticketmaster.com. Applicants must also register online at toledosymphony.com. Costume categories include individual, couple/pair, group/family, and kids. The costume contest will take place at the Huntington Center prior to the show at 7:15 p.m. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Tony Geftos from 13abc will emcee the costume contest.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
“May the Fourth would not be complete without celebrating with all of our friends in town,” says Felecia Kanney, Director of Marketing for the Toledo Symphony. “What began as one of two Spotlight Events in Toledo Symphony’s 75th Anniversary Season—along with Queen Latifah that just took place in February—quickly snowballed into a community-wide celebration. Fans can make a whole day out of everything that is planned around town and join us at the Huntington Center for the main event, Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert, along with a few more friends in the lobby.”
Local area restaurants and coffee establishments are offering special deals and Star Wars themed-nights, including Bier Stube Bar and Grill, Carlos’s Poco Loco (present your ticket to get $5 off your table’s meal), The Casual Pint (themed beers, including Java the Stout; Star Wars Trivia Night hosted by Guy in the 419, April 10, 2019 at 7:00 PM), Dragon’s Roost Coffee & Games (half-off coffee), Fifth Street Pub (Star Wars Trivia Night, May 8, 2019 at 8:00 PM), Fleetwood’s Tap Room, Fusion Bistro, Home Slice Pizza, Manhattan’s Pub ‘n Cheer, Manos Greek Restaurant (present your ticket for 10% off your meal), Table Forty4, The Attic on Adams (specialty drinks). For more information on these deals and more, visit toledosymphony.com.
At the main event “Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert” at the Huntington Center, area bookstores and comic book stores will be on-site at with Star Wars-themed books and memorabilia for sale before and after the show. “The list is growing, but as of today, Encore Books, Nevermore Books, and Seann’s Anime & Comics, will be among the vendors at the Huntington Center with fun items for Star Wars fans to peruse,” says Mary Isabell, Toledo Symphony Group Sales Associate. Toledo Symphony School of Music students and Toledo Ballet dancers will also grace the hallways.
HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS
“Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert” will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 8 PM at the Huntington Center. Tickets start at $27 and may be purchased through the Toledo Symphony Box Office by calling 419.246.8000, in person at the Toledo Symphony Box Office located 1838 Parkwood Avenue, in person at the Huntington Box Office located at 500 Jefferson Avenue, or by visiting ticketmaster.com
