An Extra Special EXTRATERRESTRIAL from Houston Symphony’s “E.T.”

Courtesy Photo

It was an extraordinary one-night-only event at Jones Hall last Thursday when the Houston Symphony took its place on stage below a large movie screen that was about to display a sensational film in a very sensational new way. Fans of classic American cinema and science fiction have no need of my recounting all the details of the legendary 1982 Steven Spielberg blockbuster, “E.T the Extraterrestrial.” A wondrous fantasy that broke even the colossal “Star Wars” box office records of the day, the captivating story weaves the tale of young ten year-old, Elliot (Henry Thomas), who lives in the suburbs of California close to the nearby forest where an extraterrestrial creature is left behind by a hastily departing alien spaceship. Along with his skeptical older brother, Michael (Robert MacNaughton), and little sister, Gertie (a precocious performance from young Drew Barrymore), Elliot befriends the creature, and the three undertake to keep the presence of this unusual guest in their home a secret from their mother, Mary (Dee Wallace). Enough cannot be said about the solidly convincing performances director, Spielberg, was able to draw from his gifted young actors. That was especially true of Mr. Thomas as the sensitive young, Elliot. His tender performance was nothing short of mystical. The glorious adventures that follow would have a power of their own. But on this occasion, the musical power and majesty of having one of the world’s finest orchestras accompanying the screening of the film in live performance of John William’s magnificent Oscar-winning score, would create a memorable evening for young and old.

This kind of cinematic concert is not entirely new to fans of Houston Symphony, and readers may have seen my earlier tributes to this orchestra for the several such symphonic cinema events linked below, and celebrating everything from Bugs Bunny, to Charlie Chaplin, and even last season’s “Singin’ in the Rain.”:

www.thepeoplescritic.com/2012/08/02/a-midsummer-nights-bunny-for-hso-at-pavilion

www.thepeoplescritic.com/2001/07/22/chaplin-gold-rush-on-friday-the-13th

www.thepeoplescritic.com/2016/02/06/a-symphonic-singin-in-the-rain

I mention these earlier concerts to make readers aware that such limited-performance cinematic concerts do take place from time to time, and music fans should be on the lookout for future opportunities to share in what is a truly unique musical experience.

Constantine Kitsopoulos
PHOTO by Lisa Kohler

As for this E.T. performance, it is a splendid addition to that unusual and evermore popular art form. Conductor, Constantine Kitsopoulos, accomplished his twin tasks superbly as his baton perfectly guided the musicians through the entire score, while he was at the same time watching his own individual monitor displaying the progress of the film in order to perfectly synchronize the music with the screen. The skills required from all involved in order to accomplish the wonderment of this live miracle would seem to be beyond my wildest imagination.

Courtesy Photo
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