Inside 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Premier & After Party

Monday nights' world premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" brought over three thousand critics, reporters, and celebrities for a premiere so huge it filled three separate theaters. This was the largest premiere in Hollywood history! Here is my completely spoiler-free look into the brand-new "Star Wars" movie and after party that made Hollywood one with the Force!

At the entrance to the red carpet!

John Williams' original score blared while upgraded Stormtroopers from Director J.J. Abrams' new version of the Empire, now called The First Order stomped down the red carpet.

Stormtroopers, now called, "The First Order."

Who wouldn't want a picture with these guys?!

Celebrity fans turned out in full force braving the cold. Those spotted included Jimmy Kimmel, Quincy Jones, newlyweds Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was there, too, slathered in green paint as Yoda. Steven Spielberg ran past hand-in-hand with his wife Kate Capshaw trying to sneak past photographers. They were so excited that Capshaw was practically skipping down the carpet. You could feel the excitement in the air.

George Lucas

Mark Herjavec (Shark Tank) & girlfriend Kym Johnson (Dancing with the Stars)

Walking the carpet

John Boyega (Finn)

Guests walked along the dark tent, which stretched from Orange Drive to Highland Avenue, a full three blocks. As we walked along the tent to the theaters we were treated to all sorts of Star Wars decorations. Life-sized Lego characters of Rey, Kylo Ren, and BB-8 were on our right and to our left, several glowing lightsabers were guarded by Stormtroopers.

Lightsabers! 

Life size Lego statues of Rey, Kylo Ren & BB-8

Stormtroopers guarded the lightsabers

Inside the Dolby Theatre, Abrams took the stage. "It is an honor to be with you tonight at this incredibly low-key premiere," he cracked before introducing his cast and thanking George Lucas. Lucas, seated next to Steven Spielberg, was treated to a long, standing ovation, as was legendary composer John Williams.

Once the audiences settled the entire cast of fan favorites, Harrison Ford (Hans Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), and Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) were joined on stage by newcomers Daisy Ridley (Rey), and John Boyega (Finn) for live opening credits. Even the droids, R2-D2,  C-3PO (now sporting a red arm) joined by the latest addition, BB-8 all rolled out onto the stage to thunderous applause.

Check out these costumes worn by for Finn and Rey.

Once the movie started the cheers only got louder as the audience reacted excitedly to seeing the return of Han Solo and Chewbacca after a 32-year hiatus. Surprisingly, the most reaction from the crowd was directed towards newcomer Daisy Ridley’s Rey. Rey is clearly the female protagonist Hollywood has been waiting for and several gasps could be heard at the film's various twists and turns. 

Another newcomer sure to quickly become a fan favorite is BB-8.  This clever spherical droid is part robot, party puppy, (okay, not literally) and part “Futurama.” If the line waiting in the freezing cold at the after party just to take a picture with him is any indication of impending fame I suggest you stock up on BB-8 toys now. 

My new favorite character BB-8....Seriously, I want one for Christmas...
just in case Santa is reading this! 

After the screening, the after party was held in the same sprawling tent on Hollywood Boulevard. Before heading into the theater, all guests were required to check in their cell phones to avoid any piracy issues, which led to long lines while exiting the theaters.

Guest took this opportunity to swarm J.J. Abrams. He couldn’t walk two feet without enthusiastic audience members asking for autographs and photos. He obliged every one, while his handlers patiently watched. While the party was mainly Star Wars fans sharing their initial reactions to the film, there was a brief commotion when one partygoer was detained by security and forcibly escorted out of the VIP area with his hands pegged behind his back.

Brandy Cherry Chocolate Mousse!

Once inside the after party we dined on short ribs and salmon. It was so dark you could hardly decipher what you was eating but it tasted great. The desserts were a decadent array of brandy cherry and chocolate mouse adorned with white chocolate pictures of characters such as Kylo Ren, Han Solo and Rey. 

Can you tell what is on this plate?
Neither could I but it tasted great!

Guest amused themselves by creating customized Lego droids from a multitude of Lego pieces sprawled across tables. Check out my custom Lego droids below.

I call the one on the left "Mini Droid," 
and on the right, "Yoda Droid."

Some guest took photos with lit up light sabers while others stood in long lines to take photos with C-3PO, R2-D2, and BB-8. Later the droids rolled around greeting guest with various beeps and chirps Some stars channeled their inner Jedi as they played with lightsabers.

Look who is back! 

Channeling my inner Jedi! 

C-3PO with his new red arm.

"The Force Awakens" will be released publicly Friday, with some box-office analysts expecting it to smash sales records. "The Force Awakens" has already broken pre sale ticket records, and many fans are eager to see the reunion of original trilogy characters last seen in 1983's "Return of the Jedi."

 For fans THIS is the Star Wars you have been waiting for!