Can a 30-year-old movie about dinosaurs still pull in a crowd in 2023? You bet “Jurassic” can. 

In a never-before-in-Shippensburg event, the Luhrs Performing Arts Center (LPAC) hosted individuals of all ages on Thursday, July 20, for “Jurassic Park in Concert” as part of its Shippensburg Summer Music Festival. 

The 1993 film is just one of the many classics directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel by Michael Crichton of the same name. The film stars Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough and Samuel L. Jackson. However, it is safe to say that the biggest contributor to the film’s staying power is the legendary score by John Williams in his 13th collaboration with Spielberg. 

This prehistoric concert was the second of three in the Shippensburg Summer Music Festival. The festival brings classical music to Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and typically includes three sets with internationally renowned artists,

Trever Famulare, director of SU bands, was newly appointed as the festival’s artistic director after the concert series in 2019. 

“I sought to program a series that showcased our outstanding orchestral musicians, guest soloists and try something new for all ages,” Famulare said about his planning for the 2023 festival.

The first concert of this year’s festival kept with tradition featuring an orchestral program with internationally acclaimed violinist Sarah Chang and guest conductor Larry Loh. Chang performed Bruch’s triumphant violin concerto, and the Shippensburg University Festival Orchestra played Rachmaninoff’s sumptuous “Symphonic Dances” on Thursday, July 13.

The second night of the festival brought dinosaurs to Shippensburg with “Jurassic Park in Concert.” This action-packed night featured the film “Jurassic Park” with the SU Festival Orchestra playing the well-known score by John Williams.

“It was a huge success under the direction of Sean O’Loughlin, and we look forward to another film next summer,” Famulare said. 

Sean O’Loughlin is the Principal Pops Conductor of both the Victoria Symphony and the Symphoria in Syracuse, New York. He has worked with popular artists such as Adele, Josh Groban, Journey and more. 

“It’s an amazing mix of live symphony and an iconic film we all know and love,” O’Loughlin said.

“The Shippensburg Festival Orchestra brought it to life like no other. The energy in the room was just incredible, and the roar of the crowd at the end of the movie was just amazing. You can’t make up moments like this; you have to create them, and we certainly did tonight,” O’Loughlin said.

O’Loughlin’s favorite dinosaur is the brachiosaurus, a long-necked specimen that lived in the late Jurassic period. In the film, there is an intimate moment with brachiosauruses. Following a dramatic night of terrors courtesy of the Tyranosaurus rex, Grant, played by Sam Neill, and the two children shelter in a tall tree. When they awake the following morning, they are greeted by some hungry brachiosauruses, as Williams’ majestic score swells.

“It’s one of my favorite themes of John Williams. It is just so gorgeous, and it frames the scene so well. You know, everyone gets chased in this movie, and it’s nice when they’re not chasing someone. It’s a nice respite.” O’Laughlin said. 

“Putting together Jurassic Park with the film score on only two rehearsals was a massive accomplishment for this orchestra and a testament to the high level of musicianship and preparation of its musicians,” Aaron Trumbore, principal percussionist for the Festival Orchestra, said.

The third night of the concert series brought two highly acclaimed Broadway and opera stars to the LPAC stage singing music of “Broadway Lovers.” Featuring Metropolitan Opera Tenor Richard Troxell and the Broadway star Melissa Errico, this night featured a compilation of past and present hits. The Festival Orchestra also played two selections. 

The Shippensburg Summer Music Festival brought together some of the best musicians from all across the country, 77 instrumentalists traveling from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and West Virginia, according to Famulare. 

“It is exciting to have the Ship festival orchestra back together after a three-year hiatus. Performing with other great musicians from across the northeast has been a highlight of my summer,” Trumbore said. 

While the future for the Shippensburg Summer Music Festival is still uncertain for 2024, Famulare knows there is a need for classical music and inventive programming for all ages in the Shippensburg area.  

“I hope the patrons who were able to attend a concert this year will spread the word on the amazing performance(s) they experienced at Shippensburg University this summer,” Famulare said.

Individuals interested in upcoming shows at the Luhrs Performing Arts Center can visit https://luhrscenter.com or call (717) 477-7469 for more information on programming. 

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