Whether you’re a Tim Burton fan, a theater kid, or both, Beetlejuice: The Musical is the perfect show for you! Based on the iconic 1988 film starring Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, the musical tells the story of a recently deceased couple. This couple then reluctantly teams up with a crude ghoul named Beetlejuice in order to scare away the new inhabitants of their former home. One inhabitant is the strange and unusual Lydia Deetz, who is dealing with her neglectful father while also grieving her mother’s death.
While much of the musical does follow the film’s plot, it takes its own unique spin on many elements, making it a must-see experience for any Tim Burton fan. As someone who knows and loves the film, it was exciting to see the musical expand and reinvent certain parts of the well-known story. It isn’t the most kid-friendly musical, but honestly, neither is the film despite its PG rating. The Broadway website recommends the show for ages 10 and up.
Some critics have negatively referred to the musical as an “over the top” sensory overload. However, I believe the show perfectly captures the fast-paced, eccentric spirit of the film, in which the title character is meant to be “over the top”. In the musical, Beetlejuice is played by Alex Brightman. When I went to see it, Beetlejuice was played by Brightman’s understudy, Andrew Kober. From seeing clips of Brightman’s performance to watching Kober’s performance live, both actors do an incredible job at portraying Beetlejuice, each putting their own theatrical twists on the iconic character.
The stunning visuals, costumes and the award-winning set design by David Korin all pay homage to the classic “Burtonesque” style, and will make any Beetlejuice fan feel like they are actually in the movie. The musical numbers (which are available on Spotify) are a unique addition to an already spectacular show and capture how talented all the performers are. While the musical is a dark comedy, it does have its sincere and heartfelt moments, which leave audiences feeling both entertained and sentimental.
Unfortunately, the musical will play its final show on January 8, 2023, so what better time to see it than now? Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Marquis Theatre box office.
References
Brantley, B. (2019, April 25). Review: In ‘Beetlejuice,’ the Afterlife Is Exhausting. The New York Times. Retrieved October 27, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/25/theater/beetlejuice-review-broadway.html
Set Tour with Designer David Korins | Beetlejuice The Musical. (2019, October 27). YouTube. Retrieved October 27, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtqgQua5giM