Composer Danny Elfman had never written a musical before. However, when asked about the finished songs in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, he said, “It was the simplest writing I’d ever done.” After coming to a crossroads in his personal life and toying with the idea of leaving his successful band Oingo Boingo (due to hearing loss and performance fatigue), there was a striking parallel between Danny and Jack. Elfman stated, “I was really attached to singing Jack’s parts. Jack was an extension of what I was feeling at the time. A lead singer in a band is like a king of their own little world, but I was at the point where I didn’t want to be in a band anymore. I was writing from my own heart. He’s got all these fans and people love him, but he’s not happy.” Actor Chris Sarandon was brought on as Jack’s speaking voice but was not a singer. Since Elfman had recorded himself in the temporary track, had singing experience from his band, and was a good fit for the character, he rerecorded the songs himself for the final cut.

Inspired by Jack’s dashing tuxedo jacket, this cardigan is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up. Mock cables take the place of pinstripes, and the low, wide neckline brings elegance and a flattering fit. After the pieces are seamed together, stitches are picked up and knit around the neckline to create the fold-over lapel.