Truth? It can't be too long before we have some sort of "Nightmare Before Christmas" land or store or destination here in Southern California.
Or is that wishful thinking? Maybe. But consider that the Tim Burton cinematic classic rather delightfully dominates the fall. Disneyland's Haunted Mansion gets decked out in all things Halloween Town from September through December, the El Capitan screens a 3D version in October, and, yes, even Danny Elfman shows up, at least on special nights, to sing the role of Jack Skellington.
But "Nightmare" doesn't extend too much beyond the witchingest day of the year, at least beyond Disneyland's gates. LA Conservancy, however, will change that up on Sunday, Dec. 8 with a special screening of the film at the Orpheum Theatre downtown.
Please. The Orpheum and Tim Burton? It's a match made in venue-visionary history. Both have vintage drama, opulent flair, and a little mystery.
The Conservancy, of course, always screens a December-time, holiday-flavored film. It's a fundraiser for the preservation-minded org, yes, but just fun, too, and a way to involve a few kidlets at a Conservancy outing. (Kids are welcome on tours and such, but the yuletide flick is always pretty family friendly.)
Organist Dean Mora will play the Wurlitzer, too, before the movie. Please, part two: Isn't a Wurlitzer so Elfman-esque? It's a match made in composer-instrument history.
Tickets are fifteen dollars, and a couple of nearby eateries are offering show-your-ticket discounts.
Local
Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.
Sounds like a perfect afternoon out. And, nope, we don't need a full-on "Nightmare Before Christmas" theme park, since it is so much about town come the fall.
Plus, don't you feel Burbank's energy, a little, when you watch it? Are we reaching here? Mr. Burton was a longtime Burbankian, and there's something about Jack Skellington's creative impulses that feels oh-so-local to us.
