Celebrating 30 Years of Spooky Magic: ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at McNay Art Museum

Hey, spooky fans! If you’re into that magical mix of Christmas and Halloween vibes, guess what? The McNay Art Museum in San Antonio is throwing a party for the 30th anniversary of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’ You know, that awesome stop-motion movie by Tim Burton that made Christmas Town and Halloween Town collide in the coolest way possible.

Spooky Characters in the Spotlight at McNay Art Museum

Now, if you’re wondering who’s making an appearance at this anniversary bash, we’re talking about the OG crew! Oogie Boogie Exposed, Bone Crusher, and the main man, Jack Skellington, are stepping into the limelight. You can get up close and personal with the original models of these beloved characters at McNay Art Museum. And wait for it – there’s a full set model of he lives with his dog Zero in Jack’s Tower, which is made of painted wood, metal, plastic, fabric, and other things. .

These amazing items got the VIP treatment and became part of the McNay’s Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts in 1994. Now, this Tobin Collection is like a treasure chest for all things theatre arts – think scenic designs, costume designs, lighting designs, and more. It’s a one-of-a-kind collection in the world, and it holds over 12,000 artworks and 2,000 rare books that tell the story of theatre arts for over 500 years.

The Cool Story Behind It All

So, how did these spooky treasures end up at the McNay Art Museum? Well, it’s all thanks to Robert L. B. Tobin. He was like, “Hey, I want these!” and got them for the McNay’s Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts. Apparently, it was a bit of a surprise – Tobin just decided to send these magical objects to the museum, and when the staff opened the crates, you can imagine the excitement!

And guess what? That thrill is still going strong, which makes every show of these works of art even more special. The McNay lucked out big time, thanks to Tobin’s gut feeling 30 years ago.

More Than Just Spooky Magic

But hold on – the Tobin Collection isn’t just about spooky magic. It’s a treasure trove of theatre arts, showcasing important pieces from the American cultural fabric. For example, they’ve got scenic designs by Oliver Smith for the 1957 Broadway premiere of “West Side Story.” And don’t forget about designs by Christine Jones for the Broadway premiere of “Spring Awakening” in 2006, the show that launched the awesome careers of Lea Michell and Jonathan Groff.

So, if you’re in San Antonio and want to soak in some spooky nostalgia, head over to the McNay Art Museum. This ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ celebration is not just a party; it’s a trip down memory lane with Jack, Zero, and the gang. Let the spooky festivities begin!