The holidays are approaching fast and as we say goodbye to the summer months, transitioning into the latter half of the year, there is no better film than The Nightmare Before Christmas to help get into the spirit of the season. This is the 30th anniversary of The Nightmare Before Christmas and the 11th time it has been performed live at the Hollywood Bowl. This film is a beloved Halloween and arguably Christmas classic and for years audiences have been transported to another world through the work of Danny Elfman and Tim Burton. 

The night kicked off with Disney’s “The Skeleton Dance” being projected onto the screens while the orchestra played in the background before transitioning into the overture while preliminary sketches of Tim Burton’s artwork for the film were displayed. The main portion of the night featured a variety of different points for audience engagement. The film played on screens scattered across the venue, as there were visual effects corresponding with the film being projected across the stage. An orchestra performed the musical compositions live while actors sang the songs from the film. Throughout the concert, both original cast members and special guests came onstage to sing. These guests included but were not limited to Catherine O’Hara, Fred Armisen, Ken Page and violinist Sandy Cameron. Each performance was filled with emotion and passion, which made every song very moving to watch. The love for the characters was made obvious at every turn by those performing and fans who were in attendance. The audience members also were active participants throughout the entire concert. People were dressed up singing along as the iconic characters, young kids were enthralled by the visuals, the whole venue was clapping and cheering between songs. 

After the performance of the final song of the movie, the entire cast of the live concert came out once again. They took their final bow before the night transitioned into the encore. During the encore, Danny Elfman sang both the “Oogie Boogie Song” and “Dead Man’s Party.” Naturally, Elfman also took the time to address the crowd. He expressed his extreme gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans over the years, spoke about his close relationships with and thanked his fellow creative collaborators, as well as highlighting the anniversary of the film. Elfman also had a special musical surprise. In honor of the spirit of Halloween weekend and the full moon, Elfman and his band performed the song “No One Lives Forever.”

The live performance of The Nightmare Before Christmas highlighted the artistry and deep creative commitment of everyone involved in the making of this film. The animation and musical composition are completely innovative and have had an immense impact on pop culture. Naturally, as a result, the film has gained and retained a massive following over the last 30 years. The live performances were very emotive, one can’t help but reminisce over memories associated with the film and feel like they’re walking down a memory lane of sorts. It is abundantly obvious that Elfman enjoys performing, his musical talents were evident throughout this concert highlighting his devotion to his life’s work and the community that has been built around the musical world of The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Pre-show Setlist 

1. The Skeleton Dance (Carl Stalling cover)

Setlist

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas: Overture
2. The nightmare Before Christmas: Opening
3. This is Halloween
4. Jack’s Lament
5. Doctor Finklestein / In the Forest
6. What’s This?
7. Town Meeting Song
8. Jack and Sally Montage
9. Jack’s Obsession
10. Kidnap the Sandy Claws (with Fred Armisen)
11. Making Christmas
12. Nabbed
13. Oogie Boogie’s Song (with Ken Page)
14. Sally’s Song (with Catherine O’Hara)
15. Christmas Eve Montage
16. Poor Jack
17. To the Rescue
18. Finale / Reprise
19. Closing
20. The Nightmare Before Christmas: End Title

Setlist: Set 2

1. Oogie Boogie’s Song (with Danny Elfman)
2. Dead Man’s Party (Oingo Boingo song)
3. No One Lives Forever (Oingo Boingo song)