Las Vegas, New Mexico — Just in time for Halloween, the Highlands University HU Singers will present a Zombie House and a musical production of Nightmare Before Christmas.
The Third Annual Zombie House has an Alice in Wonderland theme this year and is Oct. 24 — 26 at 7 p.m. in the university’s Sala de Madrid building, 801 University Ave.
No children under 11 are admitted to Zombie House due to gore and realistic situations. The cost is $8.
The HU Singers will perform Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the university’s historic Ilfeld Auditorium, 900 University Ave.
Tickets for Nightmare Before Christmas are $5 for general admission. Highlands University students with valid IDs are free.
Nightmare Before Christmasis based on Tim Burton’s poem that was made into a 1993 stop-motion fantasy film. The cast includes a Halloween town of vampires, werewolves, witches and more.
The lead character Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, organizes the town’s annual Halloween holiday. One year, he tires of the same theme and becomes obsessed with incorporating Christmas into the holiday, with comical 0utcomes.
“Nightmare Before Christmas is a family-friendly production so bring the kids,” said Janika Jaramillo, music senior and production manager. “The show incorporates puppets, singing, acting and dancing. It’s going to be a lively and fun show for the community.”
Andre García-Nuthmann, director of the choral program in the Department of Music, is the musical director and piano accompanist.
The artistic director is Don Evans, speech and theater faculty member. He also does the voice for the Sandy Claws character.
Vocal performance major Brandon Romero, a baritone, plays the Pumpkin King. He will sing solos such as “What’s This?” and “Jack’s Lament.”
Other vocal performance majors with lead roles include soprano Kayla Gonzales as Sally, soprano Lynnelle Logan as the Mayor, and baritone Trevontae Harris as Oogie Boogie.
Tenor Ron Martínez plays Barrell, soprano Jaylene Garcia plays Lock, and soprano Lisa Cisneros plays Shock. Patricio Herrera speaks the part for Dr. Finklestein.
Other cast members include students Shannon Crespin, Jasmine Waugaman, Kylee Norman, Brandi Aragon, Nathan Torrez, and Ziara Yazzie.
The ensemble musical selections include songs such as “This is Halloween,” “Making Christmas,” and the finale.
Proceeds from both Halloween productions will benefit the HU Singers.