How to Train Your Dragon

The North Carolina Symphony is bringing How to Train Your Dragon to the Meymandi Concert Hall on Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14. It's a live-to-picture event, which means the symphony performs John Powell's Academy Award-nominated score in real time while the animated film plays in HD on the big screen. If you've seen the movie before, this is a different way to experience it—the music isn't coming from a recording, it's being played right there in the room.

For those who need a refresher, How to Train Your Dragon is the story of Hiccup, a young Viking who befriends Toothless, a fearsome dragon. The two end up defying tradition to unite their worlds, and the score follows that arc from the first flight to the bigger battles. Jayce Ogren conducts the symphony for these performances, and since the film is shown in HD, you get the full visual experience alongside the live orchestra.

There are two showtimes to choose from: Friday, November 13, at 7:30 PM and Saturday, November 14, at 3:00 PM. Doors open 90 minutes before each performance, so you've got plenty of time to get settled before the movie starts. If you want to arrive early, 'The Lounge' is a private pre-show space with a dedicated bar and one complimentary beverage per guest. Every patron needs a ticket, and children two and under aren't permitted.

The Meymandi Concert Hall is part of the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts at 2 E. South St. in downtown Raleigh. Tickets start at $71.