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Nothing goes better with Halloween than Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. The classic stop-motion story, directed by Henry Selick, turns 30 this year, and Disney has huge plans to celebrate the spooky goodness of Jack Skellington and the gang.
Credit: Disney
Debuting in 1993, Jack Skellington, voiced by Chris Sarandon, Oogie Boogie (Ken Page), and Sally (Catherin O’Hara), the stitched-together creation of Dr. Finkelstein (William Hickey), has become a significant part of Halloween culture worldwide. The gothic characters who call Halloween Town home find themselves in a chilling adventure as Jack, the Pumpkin King, attempts to bring the festive holiday of Christmas to his macabre culture.
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The Nightmare Before Christmas, with its incredible stop-motion animation and beautiful, Broadway-esque musical numbers put together by famed composer and performer Danny Elfman, is a smorgasbord of frightening comedy that Disney and Tim Burton are known for. Melting fear and funny, characters like Zero, Jack Skellington, Lock (Paul Reubens), Shock, Barrel, and Oogie Boogie, all resonate with the creepy, yet hilarious, side of audiences, making the film a fantastic addition to Halloween and Christmas watchlists.
30 Years of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’
The citizens of both Halloween Town and Christmas Town are turning 30 this year, and Disney is going all out to celebrate the gothic goodness of Tim Burton’s brainchild. Amongst rumors that the film would be getting a live-action adaptation featuring the likes of one Johnny Depp, Walt Disney Pictures will be re-releasing the film in select theatres across the United States and Canada.
Credit: Disney
That’s right, you heard me correctly: Jack Skellington, who has become an essential part of many fall festivities and watch parties as fans gear up for the big night on October 31, is returning to the big screen. But the frightening fun doesn’t stop there, as planned events featuring live-action performances of the film’s musical score are also on the horizon.
30 Years of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’
Credit: Disney
A Famous Name Steps in to Replace O’Hara
The Nightmare Before Christmas will be coming to the Hollywood Bowl this month with three live shows featuring film favorites lending their vocal talents to Danny Elfman’s incredible musical creations. From October 27 to October 29, the 30th Anniversary concert will be held, which has featured the likes of Danny Elfman (singing voice for Jack Skellington), Catherin O’Hara, and Paul Reubens in the past. However, this year, there will be a slight change.
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Although Catherine O’Hara, better known for her role as Moira Rose in the hit comedy Schitt’s Creek, has been a studiously utilized vocal talent for Tim Burton, appearing in Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Frankenweenie, she isn’t always available for the now annual concert which celebrates Jack Skellington’s Halloween Town misadventure.
Credit: Disney
In fact, popular names such as Billie Eilish and Phoebe Bridgers have taken over in the past to voice the famous ragdoll love interest of the King of Halloween Town. It seems this year will be the same, as O’Hara will share the stage with renowned singer/songwriter Halsey for the first two nights of the Nightmare Before Christmas 30th Anniversary concert, according to Variety. O’Hara will perform as the voice of Sally on the final night of the production.
The rest of the cast, including Danny Elfman, Fred Armisen, and Ken Page, will be available all three nights of the show, and tickets are on sale now! Travel back to Halloween Town with Jack Skellington and the gang as you sing along with popular The Nightmare Before Christmas hits like “This is Halloween” and “Kidnap the Sandy Claws.” A full orchestra will join the cast on stage, and those who arrive early will be treated to a costume contest and explore the grounds in an incredible trick-or-treat adventure for kids of all ages.
Celebrate ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Disney
For those who can’t make it to the Hollywood Bowl this year, there is still hope to visit and see Jack Skellington in action as Disney Parks continue to celebrate Halloween through October 31. Although Santa Claus has to wait until November, Jack Skellington, Oogie Boogie, Sally, and the rest of the Halloween Town residents have found a new home in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland this Halloween season, offering up spooky appearances that are exclusive to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash.
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The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland even gets in on the festive fun as the Tim Burton characters have joined forces with the 999 happy haunts that call the mansion home, bringing the German expressionism made famous in the film to California’s most haunted attraction! There’s plenty to do and see this Halloween, but the best thing about The Nightmare Before Christmas is that it’s a Christmas tradition for many of us as well! There’s plenty of merchandise, food, and fun to be had as well continue to celebrate 30 years of Jack Skellington.
