Last night the EMP opened what might just be its most successful exhibit yet: Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen and the Power of Costume.
The grand opening wasn’t just an opportunity for hard-core fans of the Star Wars seies to see the show before anyone else. It was an entire night of events starting with a red-carpet walk for VIPs that included Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) and Anthony Daniels (C3PO). As fans of all ages swarmed the venue, they were greeted by an incredible display on the big screen in Sky Church featuring several of the worlds found throughout the series, including the ice world of Hoth and remote desert planet of Tatooine, and the the music of the Passenger String Quartet.
Anthony Daniels delighted fans throughout the event with a charisma that wouldn’t quit, a shiny gold tie, and an obvious love for his goofy alter-ego even 37 years after he first uttered the words, “I am C-3PO, human-cyborg relations. And this is my counterpart R2D2.”
Then there was the exhibit. It was hard not to just stand there, gaping at the detailed contumes and props from one of the most influential movies of a generation. There was Han Solo’s blaster up close (he totally shot first), and then one of the original storm trooper outfits with all the wear and tear of a war hard-fought, and the incredibly tall but lovable Chewbacca costume (a big hit with the little ones). The smiles came easy to those in attendence as they relived those moments from long ago and a galaxy far far away.
View full slideshow from Friday’s opening here.
The Passenger String Quartet performed throughout the night as gorgeous videos played in the background
The costumes were a big hit, really giving a special energy to the evening.
A very realistic sandperson costume. Scary!
These little Jawas were my favorite.
One fan couldn’t resist replaying a pivotal part of the movie with a replica R2D2 robot (he scooted around the whole evening beeping and booping).
A crowd gathers to hear Anthony Daniels speak.
He-Leia was one of the best costumes of the night.
This little wookie was eager to see the exhibit.
No one could wait to get up to the exhiibit. The staircase had been updated to look like the inside of a starship.
The night wouldn’t have been complete without a talk by these two. Both Billie Dee Williams and Anthony Daniels awed the crowd.
It was a long night of sci-fi magic, and this little Leia was ready to go home.
These guys were ready to duke it out with their light sabers. Thankfully mom came to break it up.
This little Yoda, complete with wooden staff, was excited to see all the costumes.
The Passenger String Quartet even got into the fun wearing robes as they played their music.
This little lady twirled to show off her Star Wars dress.
A really fun brass band played some music from the movies to entertain throughout the night.
There was even a crafts table: make an Admiral Sackbar!
Music so beautiful even a storm trooper could be lulled.
Who could forget Leia’s bounty hunter disguise… oh yeah, and the bikini too.
The appearance of Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’ was highly anticipated.
Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) was every bit the funny and charming guy you’d expect him to be.
Watch out Anthony!
Aggie Guerard Rodgers, the costumer for ‘Return of the Jedi’ (left) and Laela French with LucasFilm (right).
Lando and Darth team up yet again, this time for the kids.
The exhibit presented plenty of information, but sometimes the costumes spoke for themselves.
Interactive scenes let you activate lightsabers and sound effects.
Anthony Daniels talks to one of his younger fans.
Two full floors were committed to the exhibit.
What’s a Star Wars opening without Darth Vader and his storm troopers.
Darth is just as daunting now as he was 30 years ago.
The best way to experience this exhibit is with other fans, so you can gush over your favorite scenes and characters together.
All stormtrooper helmets were created by hand and based on that of a fighter-pilot.
The level of craftsmanship in every article was incredible.
The exhibit went into the details of how the designers decided on even the smallest detail and how they interacted with Lucas to complete the looks.
Seattleite, Gus Lopez, loaned his practice Yoda puppet from the original movies for the exhibit.
The love for ‘Star Wars’ on display spanned multiple generations.
Adults got into the fun of costuming as well.
