By Jennifer Mustoe and Caden Mustoe
As part of their Films in Concert series, Utah Symphony closes out their season at Abravanel Hall with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and never have I seen such an enthusiastic, appreciate audience at a symphony. Many patrons (and some really young ones, I was surprised to see) donned their full Potterhead regalia, robes or school uniforms. Even more were wearing one piece of Potter-themed clothing, mostly scarves from one of the four Hogwarts schools. Conductor Conner Gray Covington encouraged us to clap, whistle, boo and hiss, and pretty much carouse from our seats during the performance, and the crowd happily complied.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth installment in JK Rowling‘s wildly popular Harry Potter series. This is the novel that, in our opinion, takes the story to its first true darkness, and that looming feeling was never felt more than in Abravanel Hall watching the movie on their large screen and seeing the orchestra play the music from the stage. However, as anyone who’s seen the movie knows, there is much frivolity, fun, antics, and lightness, too. We aren’t going over the plot much as we figure anyone who hasn’t read the books or seen the movies by now 1. Needs to get cracking, or 2. Has never been interested. However, even for those not bitten by the Harry Potter mania like we in our household have been, not Potterheads will also enjoy this Utah Symphony event.
One of the most fun aspects of this event was the rock concert feel of it. What I loved most was the little energetic sparks and sighs that came from an audience well-versed in What Would Happen Next. It’s like we were all in one big huge boat and tipped and tossed and surged forward at the very same moments. I’ve been to dozens of high-energy rock concerts and plenty of symphonies, but this is a singular experience where we all know what’s going to happen and wait with, using a well-placed cliché, bated breath. It really did feel like we were all breathing at the same time.
I heard some sniffles when Cedric’s body came back from the graveyard and his father screamed, “No!” There was much cheering throughout the movie, and especially during the Triwizard Tournament.
This is a rather lengthy event, so be prepared. The movie plays for an hour and 20 minutes, then a 20-minute intermission, and then plays for another hour and 20 minutes. I am not sure how some of the little kids at the event stayed still, but I heard no whining at all. But then, it’s Harry Potter, so there’s that. Utah Symphony has set the prices very reasonably for this event, with tickets started at $20 for people under 30/students with ID. That makes this event as affordable as a movie in the movie theater and some popcorn, but far more entertaining. You know how you always want to really cheer and clap in a movie but feel stupid and don’t do it? Well, at Utah Symphony, you can! And it is really, really fun.
As of this writing at 10-ish AM on Friday morning, there are still some tickets left, so I suggest you get them before they’re gone. And, even better, next season, Utah Symphony is doing the NEXT TWO Harry Potter movies, and Star Wars Empire Strikes Back and Coco and How to Train Your Dragon, all movies where cheering will be abundant. Singin’ in the Rain is on the playlist, too. All should be loads of good family fun.
Utah Symphony Presents Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Music by Patrick Doyle.
Abravanel Hall, 123 W S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
June 20-22, 2019 7:00 PM
Tickets: $20-95
Contact: 801-533-6683
Utah Symphony Facebook Page
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire In Concert Facebook Event
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