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Play! A Video Game Symphony
We’ve all felt it at least once.  PLAY! first launched in North America early in 2006 to sell out shows and rave reviews and features scores from some of the biggest blockbuster video games including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metal Gear Solid, Blue Dragon, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Sonic The Hedgehog, Shenmue, Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, Castlevania, World of Warcraft, and Kingdom Hearts. Their upcoming show is in San Jose (Dated for May 26th at 8 PM) and I, for one, am very happy they are coming back. As soon as I found out I hopped on ticketmaster and threw down 100 big ones for a prime spot. Why? It’s going to be fantastic, that’s why. Little did I know that Jason Michael Paul, the creator of the show, is very receptive to the press. After contacting Play! requesting some press information, Jason called me personally and invited me to a private screening of the show. What an honor! Not only did he invite me to a private screening, he went so far as to allow a short interview regarding the nature of the show. Take a look at what he had to say: Jeremy Snow: What initially drove you to create "Play!"? Jason Paul: I wanted to create a show that was not just FINAL FANTASY. The success of Dear Friends- Music from FINAL FANTASY motivated me to want to create a bigger and better show. I wanted to create a show that showcased the music and visuals of a catalogue of music. VGM is something that can only be appreciated if there is a show dedicated to the music of these games. JS: "Play!" has quickly become a worldwide phenomenon. Did you have any idea that it would prove to be so popular all over the world? JP: I am still not satisfied! I feel there is still a great deal more potential and that is why I am working harder than ever to take this show even further. My goals have not been satisfied. The only way that this show can achieve even greater success is by people encouraging others to see for themselves what the phenomenon is all about. JS: Since its conception, what aspect of "Play!”'s success has surprised you the most? JP: Some of the most successful shows have had no composer participation. Wolf Trap with the National Symphony Orchestra was perhaps the biggest surprise. We had over 6000 paid attendance at that show and not one composer was there. JS: What do you think sets "Play!" apart from other video game shows such as 'Dear Friends' or 'Video Games Live'? JP: The concert is all about the music nothing more and nothing less. We are not using lasers, playback, stunts, MC’s to detract from the show. It is all about the composers and the music. We have kept the standard of the orchestra size and choir. We have a conductor who is well versed in working with orchestras and artists all over the world. The format of the show is done in a very classy way. We use all original arrangements that are exclusive to PLAY!. We are constantly creating a new show that changes from city to city. Nobuo Uematsu is a big supporter of the project for example we showcase his newest titles such as Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon. Nobuo Uematsu also composed the PLAY! Opening fanfare which can be heard as the first song of every concert. We represent video game music from all over the world east and west. JS: Contemporary video game soundtracks are constantly being compared to movie scores/soundtracks. What do you think has caused this leap from the occasional 'epic' soundtrack to a more steady output of powerful soundtracks that can now only be done justice through a symphonic experience? JP: The idea of using an orchestra is now realized due to larger budgets. Video games are also being scored by some big time film composers. The overall concentration of video games has not only been placed in the visual component but also in the aural experience as well. Technology has enabled this to happen. JS: Working with brilliant minds such as Nobuo Uematsu and Jeremy Soule what have you learned about the inner workings of video game music? JP: Both Jeremy and Nobuo are creative individuals who have an honest appreciation for the music. They are not caught up with self promotion. They are constantly adapting and creating new melodies that keep it fresh. JS: You have probably seen the show over a dozen times by now...is there any song that still gives you goosebumps? JP I like the Chrono Suite and One Winged Angel. JS: I have to know, will One Winged Angel be performed at "Play!"? JP: Possibly JS: Finally, what is your favorite video game soundtrack? JP: FINAL FANTASY 6, 7, 10 Shadow of the Colossus Chrono Trigger JS: Thank you for your time. The Play! symphony is looking to be an absolute treat. Critics all over the world are praising it, fans all over the world welcome it with open arms. I am looking forward to my experience at Play!, and as for you… You should go out and buy your ticket! If you are in the Bay Area you have no excuse! Tickets are starting around 36-72 dollars (if you’re attending Fanime, go to the website for a coupon!) and go up to 100 dollars for the prime seats. The best seats come with a Play! goodie bag filled with a program, poster and other stuff that is revealed the day of the show.  Play! is an amazing show with an amazing goal. You owe it to yourself not as a gamer, not even as a music lover, but as a DECENT HUMAN BEING to see this show. Jason has plans to knock your socks off. Chances are, you don’t even know they’re gone yet. Jeremy Snow is the Anime Editor and has been very busy. He will return with plenty of reviews very shortly!! |
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