Beetlejuice, one of Tim Burton’s most iconic movies is now a Broadway musical! The cult classic film starring Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Winona Ryder, also spawned a cartoon series as well as several video games. The otherworldly antics of Betelgeuse the demon are treasured by many who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s. From his trademark striped suit to his grotesque sense of humor the mischievous spirit is a recognizable figure evoking fond memories of our youth. The musical feeds on that nostalgia, whilst delivering a re-imagined tale of death and the loneliness of grief. In contrast to the somber subject matter, this musical is a hilarious farce full of slapstick comedy, offbeat jokes, f-bombs, and witty one-liners.
Fans of the 1988 comedy will recall the woeful yet hilarious tale of Barbara and Adam Maitland, a mild-mannered couple who die suddenly and invoke the spirit of Betelgeuse. The Maitland’s call on the demon to assist them in haunting the Deetz family, the new owners of their earthly home. The Deetz’s teenage daughter Lydia befriends the spirits and chaos ensues. The play takes a bold departure from the film and offers a new storyline. The musical is less about the Maitland’s transition and more about Lydia’s grief over her mother’s passing. Her sorrow alienates her from her father causing her to feel lonely and ignored. In her vulnerable state, she finds comfort in the spirits haunting her new home, befriending the Maitland’s and the demon. After failing to terrify her father and his quirky girlfriend with the Maitland’s, Lydia partners with Beetlejuice and finds a kindred soul in the naughty spirit. Their united efforts wreak havoc with hilarious and somewhat terrifying results.
Sophia Ann Caruso brings a delicate innocence and warmth to the role of Lydia despite the Goth appearance. One of the highlights of her performance is a sweeping ballad called “Dead Mom” in which she calls out to her dearly departed mother for help. The song captures her angst and the damaged relationship with her father who seems to have moved on without her. The sad little ditty is a brief but necessary reprieve from the juvenile antics and frat humor of the titular character. Beetlejuice is brought to life by Broadway veteran Alex Brightman, who many remember from his role in School of Rock, another film to stage adaptation. Brightman’s interpretation of the impish spirit is less Michael Keaton and more Jack Black, which fits perfectly with the dialogue and fast pace. Under Betelgeuse is an audience aware, sarcastic nightmare, spewing crude jokes and providing witty commentary throughout the production.
The backdrop for Brightman’s manic energy and Caruso’s goth teen angst is a visual feast from set designer David Korins. For the set, Korins draws inspiration from Tim Burton, straying very little from the director’s trademark aesthetic. The set is a constantly moving ever-changing spectacle morphing from the Maitlin’s shabby chic country home to the glowing abyss of the underworld. In addition to the sleek set, an assortment of puppets, special effects, and magic tricks create a one of a kind Broadway experience.
Beetlejuice the musical is an entirely new production that honors the legacy of the film while providing a fun new experience for fans and newcomers alike.
For more information and to purchase tickets, say Beetlejuice three times and head over to beetlejuicebroadway.com.