Last night we were invited to come enjoy an evening at the symphony, with a twist. We got to see The Goonies come to life on the big screen as the Utah Symphony accompanied on stage at The Goonies in Concert. This was my first time doing something like this and it most definitely will not be my last.

Pirate flags lined the outside of the venue, so we knew we had arrived in the right place. When we walked into the building, a large treasure map was up to be the perfect backdrop for pictures. To the side of it, treasure chests overflowing with chattering teeth and pirate eye patches for patrons to take with them as their souvenir of the adventure we were about to be taken on .

To kick off the evening, Corey Feldman, “Mouth” from The Goonies (as if you didn’t know who I was talking about), made a special appearance to introduce the movie. He is in town this weekend for FanX, where he can be found all day Saturday, if you just so happen to want to meet him and grab a picture. After making the audience laugh for a bit, he, too, found his seat and joined us to watch The Goonies while the Utah Symphony performed the score.

Looking around at the audience before the movie began, it was fun to see such a variety of people. Participants of FanX, which is located practically next door at the Salt Palace, in their Cosplay, couples on dates, families with their children who had never before seen the film, and, of course, Goonies. We even had “Sloth” (or a man with a Sloth mask, at least) sitting in the front row! Everyone was excited to be there and the energy could be felt throughout Abravanel Hall.

As the screen lit up and the room darkened, we were treated to an incredible concert perfectly synched with the movie. The talented musicians on the stage so seamlessly performed the score and transported us into the world of The Goonies as they begin their quest for One-Eyed Willy and his treasure. It had been a while since I last watched this movie, one of my favorites from the 80’s, and I can’t think of a better way to watch it again than with the symphony playing the music.

You would think it would be distracting to have the orchestra playing while you are trying to watch a movie, it isn’t at all. It is more of an immersive experience, however, and you feel even more a part of the movie you are watching. I had to remind myself that I was hearing the orchestra play live and took a moment to really watch them. It was absolutely impressive! The amount of people it takes to perform these pieces was eye-opening. The intricate details and instruments used in the process is astonishing. The seemingly effortless coordination that you know is far from easy, is really amazing to take in.

When the movie was over, we focused even more on the talents of the musicians on stage as they played the end credits. It had been a spectacular concert! For those in the audience who had never been to the symphony before, what a phenomenal way to introduce them to it! This was a perfect evening, so enjoyable and out of the ordinary. We had so much fun! As we left the concert hall, you could hear excited chatter everywhere from the patrons talking about coming back soon for the next Film in Concert. I felt the same way!

For those that didn’t get a chance to see The Goonies in Concert last night, you are in luck! Tonight, the concert will be held again and you can take your family to go see it. It’s a great, and surprisingly affordable, way to share some 80’s pop culture and introduce your family to the arts. All orchestra level tickets are $30 and anyone under the age of 30 gets 50% off–making it the perfect opportunity to share this 80’s classic with your kids!

********

What happens when a group of kids come across a map leading to One-Eyed Willy’s pirate treasure? Experience one of the most enchanting films of the ’80s in this cult classic, produced by Steven Spielberg, as the Utah Symphony performs Dave Grusin’s exhilarating score live-to-picture.

This is just one event in the Films in Concert Series. Upcoming events include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 in concert, The Nightmare Before Christmas in concert, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens in concert. This is a fantastic way to introduce younger audiences to the symphony and enjoy a great family night out!

For more details, visit Utah Symphony online.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are my own*}