Gen X Nostalgia Meets Live Music as Richmond Symphony Presents ‘The Goonies’

For plenty of Gen X moviegoers, “The Goonies” brings back a familiar kind of childhood adventure. A group of friends, a treasure map and the possibility that something extraordinary might be hiding right under the neighborhood. Whether you first saw it in a theater or wore out a copy on VHS, the movie has a way of taking you back.

On Saturday, Nov. 14, the Richmond Symphony will give that trip down memory lane a live soundtrack. “The Goonies Live in Concert” comes to the Altria Theater at 6 p.m., pairing the 1985 film with a full orchestra performing its score. The Symphony has announced that the performance time has changed to 6 p.m., something ticket holders should keep in mind.

The film’s dialogue and sound effects will remain, while the musicians perform Dave Grusin’s music in sync with the action. That means the search for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure will unfold on the big screen with the orchestra supplying the suspense, excitement and sense of discovery right there in the room.

There is something especially appealing about experiencing a familiar movie this way. When you know the characters, remember the jokes and can anticipate what happens next, you have room to notice something else. The music that helped make those scenes memorable gets your attention in a different way when you can actually watch people playing it.

It also adds another performance to follow. The musicians have to stay connected to what is happening on screen, matching the pacing and changes in mood as the story moves along. Even with a movie you have watched repeatedly, there is something new to appreciate.

For Gen X parents, the evening offers a chance to share a childhood favorite with their own children. For anyone who has been curious about attending the Symphony, a familiar film provides an easy starting point. You can arrive knowing the story and leave with a greater appreciation for the people making the music.

Tickets start at $20, according to the Symphony’s announcement. A Movie Night Package also pairs “The Goonies” with “Star Wars: A New Hope,” offering a stated 20 percent savings on single ticket prices.

Details and tickets are available at richmondsymphony.com.