Halloween With Danny Elfman

I'm not sure how this year's Halloween could ever be topped. We went to see Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton, and it was beyond incredible! I wanted to create a costume from one of Tim Burton's films to wear to the concert, but I didn't want to pick something too obvious. It took me a few weeks until it hit me to go as Zero the ghost dog from The Nightmare Before Christmas. By the time I'd decided, I only had a few days to put everything together, so most of it was made the night before the show.

The white dress (or shirt, I'm still not quite sure) was thrifted Forever 21, and the leggings were from Ross. I wore my old boots from Forever 21, and the ghostly shawl is just a thrifted curtain. I made the necklace myself with shrinky dinks and thread. For the ears, I bought a pair of bunny ears and ripped the plush parts off so it was just the headband and wire, then I stitched some white gauzy fabric over the wire. I did some very simple cat eye liner and white makeup since I had to do it on the drive to Los Angeles..

The concert consisted of Danny Elfman's scores for Tim Burton's films, performed by the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra and The Page LA Choir, conducted by John Mauceri. Three large screens showed movie clips and Tim Burton's artwork during each piece. From the first note to the last standing ovation, I think my face was more lit up than it has ever been. I don't know if anyone else chair-dances to orchestral music, but I was bobbing and swaying along the entire time, and I got a bit teary eyed a few times. One of the most exciting moments of the evening was when Danny Elfman finally came out to sing as Jack Skellington. He sang almost every song from Nightmare, and he was so animated and committed to Jack's character, it was the most amazing performance I've ever seen. Then, Catherine O'Hara came out and sang "Sally's Song," which was beautiful and so surreal. Tim Burton even came onstage at the end of the show! But I think my favorite part of the night was Danny coming out for an encore and singing "Oogie Boogie's Song" while John Mauceri played the part of Sandy Claws. It was all unbelievable. I didn't bring my camera into the theater, so we only took a few phone pictures. I wanted to truly experience everything and be in the moment.

My friend Alanna dressed up as Jack Skellington, and my friend Martina made the coolest costume of Lydia from the animated Beetlejuice series. There were a lot of pretty awesome costumes to be found that night. I only saw one other Zero, so I think I chose well.

If you would like to see some professional photos from the concert, be sure to look at this album. Videos from the concert can be found all over the internet as well. I know I'll be watching them!