Gen X-ers are going to feel like Methuselah after they read this next line: The beloved Christmas favorite from your youth, Home Alone turns 25 this year. Doesn’t it seem like yesterday when you begged your parents to drive you to the Cineplex in the minivan to see John Hughes’ story about an 8 year old who singlehandedly defends his home turf over Christmas?
To celebrate the film’s release, the NJ Symphony Orchestra will be showing two screenings this weekend. On Saturday Dec. 5th at 8 PM ET, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center will play host. New Brunswick residents can enjoy the movie on Sunday, December 6th at 3 PM ET at the State Theatre. Conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos returns to lead the NJSO in John Williams’ full film score as the holiday classic screens above the stage.
Composer Williams, whose most recent work was this year’s hit Jurassic World, writes: “Ever since Home Alone appeared, it has held a unique place in the affections of a very broad public. Director Chris Columbus brought a uniquely fresh and innocent approach to this delightful story, and the film has deservedly become a perennial favorite at holiday time. I took great pleasure in composing the score for the film, and I am especially delighted that the magnificent New Jersey Symphony Orchestra has agreed to perform the music in a live presentation of the movie. I know I speak for everyone connected with the making of the film in saying that we are greatly honored by this event … and I hope that audiences will experience the renewal of joy that the film brings with it, each and every year.”
Of course the holidays always provide an excellent platform to sing loudly and off key, so why not arrive an hour before either performance and join in sing-along carols?
The Symphony also recognizes that the spirit of giving is paramount to the holidays, and encourage patrons to drop off new, unwrapped toys for their Toys for Tots drive.
Re-live your youth with MacCauley Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, and the late,beloved John Candy. Unlike Kevin McCallister (Culkin), you want want to be left behind!
Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase online at www.njsymphony.org, by phone at 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476) or in person. The NJSO Patron Services and Sales office is located at 60 Park Place, 9th floor, in Newark; tickets are available by phone or in person Monday–Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Tickets for the December 6 performance are also available from the State Theatre ticket office online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org, by phone at 732.246.SHOW (7469) or in person. The State Theatre ticket office is located at 15 Livingston Ave in New Brunswick—hours are Monday–Friday, 10 am to 6 pm; Saturday, 1 to 5 pm, and at least three hours prior to curtain on performance dates unless otherwise specified.