Is it a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie? I know several people who struggle with that distinction, but for me it’s easy: The Nightmare Before Christmas is a straight-up Halloween move, and a very good one at that.
Tim Burton (ably assisted by director Henry Selick) realized his vision so perfectly with stop-motion animation that it’s hard to imagine The Nightmare Before Christmas joining the growing pantheon of Disney movies getting the live action treatment. Still, I was intrigued when I ran across the following clip, put together by a group of actors at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, in which they proved that the film could successfully convert from screen to stage. From the freakishly tall actor playing Jack Skellington to the minimal but note-perfect set, this is definitely a version of the movie I’d be interested in seeing more of. Enjoy!
Blu Gilliand is the managing editor of Cemetery Dance Magazine and Cemetery Dance Online.
