New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) has done it again! “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” was performed in Concert on October 28, at both 2 pm and 7:30 pm. The evening show was added when the first show sold out so quickly. Conductor Joshua Gersen clearly was enjoying himself conducting the world-class NJSO in this family favorite franchise.
My friends and I arrived, lightly costumed for this pre-Halloween weekend event. We saw adults dressed as Professor McGonagal and various Potter-philes in everything from Rugby shirts to Quidditch robes! Speaking of Quidditch, there was even one daring soul dressed as a Golden Snitch! Thankfully, the only rogue Bludgers were on-screen.
What a thrill it is to watch a favorite movie, which many of us had not seen for some time, with a lush, robust live orchestra playing the soundtrack! The attraction is not solely in watching the film on a beautiful big screen in a gorgeous venue at NJPAC’s Prudential Hall in Newark. It is also in the party atmosphere, with people of all ages from youngsters to young-at-heart, ready for an experience that highlights the kindness that seems to be missing in the world outside. While many of us believe that magic exists in the hearts of us all, we became fortified by the prevalence of Good over Evil on the screen.
Part of the party atmosphere included the Social Media area, where we were all encouraged to take on props—Gryffindor neckties and Potter glasses, wands, and such—if we weren’t already sporting those, and take pictures to post for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more! Also featured were Wizard’s Beer, for kids of all ages, which had butterscotch egg cream deliciousness, and there were movie snacks and more potent potables for Witches and Wizards over the age of 21.
We hissed at the baddies, cheered the goodies, and had a whomping good time, Whomping Willow notwithstanding. Tickets go on sale soon for March 3, 2018 when “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” alight at NJPAC. Now’s the time to book the amazing film events–bookmark and join the mailing list at www.njsymphony.org.