the mommy avenger

Last night, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Jurassic Park in Concert with the Utah Symphony, and let me tell you—it was beyond anything I expected. As a mom who’s seen this movie more times than I can count (I mean, who hasn’t seen it on repeat during rainy Saturdays?), I thought I knew everything about Jurassic Park. But let me assure you, experiencing it with live music from a world-class symphony is a whole new adventure!

From the moment the screen lit up with those iconic scenes of Isla Nublar, the Utah Symphony took the reins and transported the entire audience straight into Spielberg’s world of dinosaurs. Hearing John Williams’ epic score performed live by talented musicians? It was like every note had an added layer of emotion. The suspense, the thrills, the awe—it was all magnified by the sweeping, heart-pounding music that filled the room. I could actually feel the tension in my chest as the raptors closed in, and when the T-Rex roared? Forget about it. Goosebumps everywhere.

It wasn’t just about nostalgia (although, let’s be real, a little nostalgia never hurts). It was about how the music brought every scene to life in ways that a TV screen at home simply can’t. My kids sat wide-eyed the whole time, completely wrapped up in the magic of the moment, which—honestly—is a parenting win all on its own. If you’re looking for a way to introduce your kids to a classic while giving them a completely unique experience, this is it.

And the best part? This isn’t the only movie-in-concert experience on the Utah Symphony’s 2024-2025 season lineup! They’ve got an impressive roster of films ready to make their way to the big screen, each accompanied by a live symphony performance. If you’re into magic and adventure, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone will be casting its spell later in the season. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Concert and Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl in Concert are also on the calendar!

If you’ve never been to a movie in concert before, trust me, now is the time to go. It’s a fully immersive experience that’s so much more than just watching a film—it’s living inside it, with the music acting as your guide. The Utah Symphony’s movie concerts are an absolute must!

So grab your tickets, grab your kids, and get ready to feel the magic of these films in a whole new way. Because when you combine a brilliant film with a live symphony? It’s pure cinematic magic.

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