"Home Alone" at the Benaroya Hall: A Christmas Dream

Like snow adorning balconies, or the familiar smell of cinnamon cookies wafting through your house, the Christmas spirit is afoot wherever you may be. This little spirit has also waltzed into Benaroya Hall, where the Seattle Symphony plays alongside a showing of the classic Christmas film Home Alone. 

My night began in the plush seating, where I gazed up at the stage, glowing in shades of green and red. People walked in with reindeer headbands, Santa hats,  and sweaters christened with quotes and characters from beloved movies. As the symphony took their seats and the conductor, Sunny Xia, took the stage, a slight hush fell over the room, with excited murmurs filling the gaps in the silence. “This is not like your usual symphony,” we were warned, a statement that existed throughout the show. Xia explained that we were free to cheer, and unlike other movie screenings, we were more than welcome to stay through the end credits since the symphony shone “all the way through.”

Having never attended a symphony of this scale, I was captivated by the dramatic interplay between the film and the live orchestra. The symphony performed for an audience of around three hundred in a grand, and beautifully adorned hall. Every segment with a musical score was replaced by the live symphony, creating a seamless experience. The audience became part of the show, cheering enthusiastically at key moments. Unlike traditional symphony performances, where decorum often reigns, this event encouraged an open display of support towards the musicians. Spontaneous cheers and exclamations filled the hall, creating a vibrant atmosphere that felt almost interactive. A standout moment was when someone gleefully shouted, "You go, Kevin!" during one of the film’s pivotal scenes. 

One particularly enchanting moment came when the choir appeared during the choir scene in the movie. They blended so perfectly into the movie, the human quality of their voices aiding the scene in their harmony. As they stepped into position, their presence brought an added layer of authenticity to the performance. It was also lovely to see such attention paid to smaller details - I don’t think anyone had expected a live choir, and it was a welcome surprise.

There was, interestingly, an intermission during the movie-show, which provided a much needed break. The sensory overload was a testament to the symphony’s ability to draw the audience into the world of Home Alone so completely. The pause allowed the audience to catch their breath, reflect on the intricate blend of film and music, and prepare ourselves for the equally captivating second half. There were whispers of opinions - all positive - and smiles shared all around. My own mind began to wonder through reminders of my own past Christmas holidays spent with my family. I thought it was a necessary break, as otherwise, I doubt I’d have felt the rest of the show had the same impact as the first half. 

As the film drew to a close, the magic didn’t fade. Instead, the symphony surprised everyone with an encore—an unexpected yet delightful conclusion to the evening. This encore wasn’t just an additional performance; it was a reaffirmation of the symphony’s incredible talent and their dedication to creating a memorable experience. In totality, Home Alone at the Benaroya Hall was an absolute feast for the senses. If you ever have the pleasure to catch a movie-symphony event like this, I highly recommend it. Combining a beloved film with the sturdy power of a live orchestra creates an experience that transcends the usual movie-watching routine. It elevates the feeling, making it feel more immediate and impactful.

All in all, the night was filled with collective joy and nostalgia, something we all need a little of these days - and a reminder that the Christmas spirit, much like the music and memories it evokes, is always ready to waltz into our lives and fill us with warmth wherever we may be. 

Lead photo: Promotional photo of Home Alone courtesy of the Seattle Symphony.

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