Parade of storm troopers

Pasadena, Calif. – Not long from now, in our very own galaxy, the “Star Wars Spectacular” will bring an intergalactic spirit – and 200 storm troopers – to the 118th annual Tournament of Roses parade.

Grand Marshal George Lucas will be accompanied by two “Star Wars”-themed floats and an army of costumed storm troopers. Lucas, 62, invited the evil soldiers (costumed superfans from all over the world) to march with him during the New Year’s Day parade in Pasadena.

The storm troopers belong to a fan club called the 501st Legion, which boasts 3,000 members who appear at fundraisers and charitable events. Members create their own costumes, which can cost up to $1,000 each.

Other “Star Wars” characters will ride floats in the parade. Four Ewoks will be aboard the Forest Moon of Endor float, from the “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” era. The Naboo: The Garden Planet float, from the recent “Star Wars” trilogy, will carry three Queens of Naboo and two Jedi protectors.

Aretha: The Musical

Detroit – There’s only one Aretha Franklin, but the Queen of Soul plans to hold auditions for singers to portray her.

A musical based on her 1999 autobiography, “Aretha: From These Roots,” will tour nationally, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday.

The production will tell Franklin’s story of growing up in Detroit in the church headed by her father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin; of having family friends such as Sam Cooke and Dinah Washington; of her personal struggles; and of her rise to international stardom.

Hits by Franklin, 64, include “Respect,” “Chain of Fools” and “Freeway of Love.”

The Grammy winner is completing an album for release in February.

Tribute to Diana planned

London – Princes William and Harry are planning a pop concert and memorial service next year to mark the 46th birthday of their mother, Princess Diana, and the 10th anniversary of her death.

The concert is to feature some of Diana’s favorite music and will be “full of energy, full of the sort of fun and happiness which I know she would have wanted,” William said Tuesday in an interview with his father’s press secretary, Patrick Harrison, which was released to the media.

Duran Duran will perform along with Elton John, who sang “Candle in the Wind” at Diana’s funeral. The concert will also include a performance by the English National Ballet and songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber in honor of the princess’ love of dancing and theater.

The concert is planned for July 1, Diana’s 46th birthday, at Wembley Stadium in London. Money raised from the concert will go to charities the princess supported.

A memorial service is also planned at an undisclosed location in London on Aug. 31, 10 years after the princess’s fatal car crash in a Paris tunnel.