In an ideal world, it would be possible to attend a live performance of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (be it a full-scale production, a concert of the songs, or a screening of the film with a live orchestra) every Halloween.
Nevertheless, a number of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows offer opportunities to get into the Halloween spirit through their spooky content and characters and/or costume opportunities.
Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors: Bram Stoker’s classic saga is currently receiving a contemporary comic makeover at Off-Broadway’s New World Stages that emphasizes camp and sexuality, with inspiration from Charles Ludlam, Monty Python, and Mel Brooks. Costume possibilities: Count Dracula (black and red cape, medallion necklace), Van Helsing (vampire hunter), Renfield (Dracula’s deranged sidekick). draculacomedy.com.
Little Shop of Horrors: Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s much beloved sci-fi/horror musical satire, which is currently receiving a hit Off-Broadway revival, revolves around a giant Venus flytrap that shows a mysterious attraction for blood and eventually starts talking and seeking world domination. Costume possibilities: Seymour (lowly lovable clerk), Audrey (damsel in distress), Orin Scrivello (sadistic dentist). littleshopnyc.com.
Sweeney Todd: In Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller masterpiece, an ordinary 19th century man descends into murder and madness in his quest for revenge upon those who wronged him and his family. Costume possibilities: Sweeney Todd (the Demon Barber of Fleet Street), Mrs. Lovett (sharp accomplice), Beggar Woman (mystery in rags). sweeneytoddbroadway.com.
Wicked: Get out your green face makeup and pointy black hat – or magic scepter and bubble dress. The blockbuster prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” which celebrates its 20th anniversary this week, turns one of the best-known female villains of the 20th century into a sympathetic and triumphant underdog protagonist. Costume possibilities: Elphaba (wicked witch), Glinda (good witch. wickedthemusical.com.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: If your child is already set to go trick-or-treating as Harry Potter, why not grab the costume and check out this elaborately-produced sequel that is set 17 years after the Battle of Hogwarts and features virtually all of the famous characters. Costume possibilities: Harry Potter (the boy who lived), Hermione Granger (class valedictorian), Lord Voldemort (super scary villain). harrypottertheplay.com.
Nosferatu: For those unable to leave their homes, Theater in Quarantine (which gained fame during the pandemic for creating low-budget but innovative experimental digital theater) is presenting a 35-minute adaptation of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 vampire film (a key work of German Expressionism), which can be viewed in 2D or 3D via a private YouTube link. Costume possibilities: Count Orlok (bald head, pointed ears, claws). nyuskirball.org.
Back to the Future: The new $23.5 million Broadway musical adaptation of the 1985 film offers the opportunity to soak in the fashion and music of both of the 1950s and 1980s and also experience a grand finale with the DeLorean. Costume possibilities: Marty McFly (red puffy vest), Doc Brown (hazmat suit, goggles).
MJ the Musical: On Tuesday, the cast of the Michael Jackson bio-jukebox musical will add a curtain call performance of the epic zombie song and dance “Thriller.” Costume possibilities: Michael Jackson circa “Thriller” (red leather jacket). mjthemusical.com.
Sleep No More: The long-running, immersive, multi-level adaptation of “Macbeth” has always been the equivalent of a super elaborate Halloween costume party and haunted house. Costume possibilities: Spectator (you receive a ghoulish white mask upon entering the show). mckittrickhotel.com.
All the Devils Are Here: Patrick Page, who explores and portrays Shakespeare’s most notorious villains in his new one-man Off-Broadway show, is encouraging audience members to come dressed as villains to Tuesday’s performance. Costume possibilities: Richard III (hunchback), Lady Macbeth (nightgown). allthedevilsplay.com.
