Children throwing snowballs instead of heads?! It’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Nov. 30
For immediate release ‐ November 13, 2018
Contact: Jon Pishney, 919.707.8083. Images available upon request
(RALEIGH, N.C.) — Welcome to an extraordinary world filled with magic and wonder. Open your mind and let yourself go to a place where every day is Halloween and every night Jack Skellington dreams of something different. It’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” showing at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on the big screen Friday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.
From the imagination of Tim Burton, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (PG, 1993) follows the misadventures of Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world.” When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life — he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry.
The voice of Jack Skellington is provided by Chris Sarandon, who is most certainly best known for his in-person role as Prince Humperdinck in “The Princess Bride” (1987). The singing voice is none other than Danny Elfman, former front man for the eclectic musical group Oingo Boingo and composer of several Tim Burton movie scores (including this film). Evil scientist Dr. Finkelstein is voiced by the great William Hickey, whose character portrayals range from an ancient Mafia don in “Prizzi’s Honor” (1985) to the daft cigar-smoking grandpa Lewis in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989).
Prior to the movie, beginning at 5:30, check out movie-themed science stations. Plus, special guest Roland Kays, Head of the Museum’s Biodiversity Lab, will help separate the facts from the fiction following the screening.
Finally Friday movie nights feature the A/V Geeks’ Skip Elsheimer guiding a fun night of trivia and tongue-in-cheek commentary on popular science-themed movies as well as samples from his vault of 24,000+ short films. Movies are also complemented by experts and hands-on science stations related to each night’s theme. Dinner (such as sliders or tacos), drinks (including NC beer and wine) and popcorn will be available for purchase before the show. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., movies and presentations begin at 7 p.m. Admission: $5/person. For information or tickets, visit naturalsciences.org/calendar/finally-friday/.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh (11 and 121 W. Jones St.) is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world. Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, noon–5 p.m. General admission is free. Jason Cryan, PhD, Interim Director. For more information, visit naturalsciences.org.