Danny Elfman bringing The Nightmare Before Christmas live in concert to UK for first time
Story by Jack Foley
MULTIPLE award-winning composer, songwriter and reigning Pumpkin King, Danny Elfman will be bringing Disney’s timeless classic, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas to life for two very special UK arena shows in December 2019 as part of the movie’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
Elfman, performing his role of Jack Skellington, will be joined by other original cast members Catherine O’Hara as Sally, and Ken Page as the voice of Oogie Boogie with full orchestral accompaniment by The Royal Scottish National Orchestra in Glasgow and London Philharmonic Orchestra at The SSE Arena, Wembley.
Conductor John Mauceri, Founding Director of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, will be leading the full orchestra and choir performing the film’s classic score and songs live to picture. The concert will also include featured violin soloist, Sandy Cameron.
Danny Elfman, who wrote the film’s songs (music and lyrics), composed its original score, commented: “Being able to perform Nightmare live in synch to the movie with a full orchestra was such a thrill at the sold out Hollywood Bowl shows.
“Having Catherine O’Hara and Ken Page to perform with me really made it a unique and magical experience. I’m happy to bring this special night to the UK for the first time in December.”
First released in 1993, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas was directed by Henry Selick (James and the Giant Peach) and based on a story and characters by Tim Burton.
The film follows the earnest-but-misguided adventures of Jack Skellington, Halloween Town’s beloved Pumpkin King, as he attempts to take over the Christmas holiday. Against the advice of Sally, a lonely rag doll who has feelings for him, Jack enlists three mischievous trick-or-treaters – Lock, Shock, and Barrel – to help him kidnap Santa Claus.
Tim Burton’s fantastical tale was a box office smash which received rapturous reviews across the board has become a staple part of the extended holiday season.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Live in Concert, December 2019, follows three sold out nights at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl earlier this year and will be the second time this special concert event has left the USA.
Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday, December 7.
The dates are (both December 2019)
2 – Glasgow The SSE Hydro featuring The Scottish Royal National Orchestra and Choir
4 – London The SSE Arena, Wembley featuring London Philharmonic Orchestra and Crouch End Choir