Over three decades have passed since theaters nationwide were inundated with movie goers who wanted to travel to a galaxy far, far, away to follow the galactic adventures of Princess Leia, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Obi-wan Kenobi, Yoda, and of course, who can forget the animated duo comprised of C-3PO, the humanoid robot, and his faithful side kick, R2-D2, the droid.
The phenomenal Star Wars saga, classified as an American epic space opera, was written and directed by George Lucas, an American filmmaker and entrepreneur, and was released theatrically in the United States on 25 May 1977. The saga would become a trilogy with the movie Star Wars (later retitled Star Wars IV: A New Hope), which grossed $461 million in the United States and $314 million overseas, being the first release. That astronomical success led to the production of two sequels – Star Wars, Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Star Wars, Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983), both of which became critically and commercially successful.
Since the days of the original trilogy, fans have anxiously awaited the continuation of the story. In the interim there have been many spinoffs, spoofs, and music videos created surrounding the Star Wars theme – even more so of late.
With the new Star Wars movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, to be released in theaters nationwide on Friday, 18 December 2015, renowned violinist Jenny Oaks Baker exhibits her own Jedi skills, using her violin as a light saber, as she unequivocally matches the power and force of music against the forces of the evil empire.
In a new YouTube video released on 16 December 2015, Jenny plays the part of the Princess with Jade Chynoweth as the Jedi Girl, and Lucas Rogers as the Jedi Boy. The video, produced by Britte Sappington and directed by Danny Drysdale, opens with the following prologue:
Music and Mischief!
In the wake of destroying the empire,
elitist rebels have outlawed music and dancing.
Their influence is strong, but another mysterious power lingers. . ..
Jenny’s credentials as an able Jedi capable of combating the forces of the Empire with the power of music speak for themselves. As one of America’s most accomplished and beloved violinists, she has been nominated for the Grammy Award. She received her Master of Music degree from the renowned Juilliard School in New York City, and her Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.
The prologue to the video continues:
A bored Jedi princess has located the last violin on a salt moon populated by unemployed imperial troops.
She will stop at nothing to test its unknown powers. . ..
Jenny has proved her ability to handle her light saber (her violin) time and time again in her astounding performances that always leave her audiences coming back for more. She has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Strathmore Hall, the Library of Congress and as a guest soloist with the Jerusalem Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Utah Symphony, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
