Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

For Adam Fields, returning to Jacksonville with the national tour of Beetlejuice the Musical isn’t just another stop, it’s a full-circle moment. The production will play in Jacksonville from May 12–17 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

Fields’ journey into theatre didn’t follow a traditional path. After moving to Jacksonville in 2018 just out of high school, he spent time juggling odd jobs and playing college football before discovering an unexpected passion: acting. With no formal training, he dove headfirst into the local arts scene, building experience through community theater companies like Theatre Jacksonville, Orange Park Community Theatre, and Players by the Sea.

“I had never done a show before,” he recalls. “I just started doing the community theater circuit and learning as I went.”

These experiences became the foundation for his future. When the Alhambra Theatre & Dining began casting more local performers during the COVID era, Fields seized the opportunity.

“I didn’t go to school for it,” he says. “But I learned how to rehearse fast, how to know my material right away…it was like a crash course in everything.”

His first professional production at the Alhambra was “It’s a Wonderful Life” and from there he built momentum and credits Jacksonville as the place that made it all possible.

Now, he’s returning home with a major production, performing as part of the FSCJ Artist Series…the very series he once attended as a fan.

“I remember seeing shows like “Wicked” and “Rent” and thinking, I want to be on that stage someday,” he says. “And now I am. It feels surreal.”

This marks his first time performing on the Moran Theater stage, though his younger brother, a student at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, performed there years earlier. “Now it’s my turn,” he adds.

Touring with “Beetlejuice” has been equal parts exhilarating and demanding. As an understudy for multiple roles (including Beetlejuice himself), Fields is responsible for knowing four separate tracks at any given time.

“I’d never understudied before,” he admits. “Now I have to be ready to step into any of these roles at any moment.” Weekly routines of reviewing the material helps him stay sharp.

“You wake up some mornings running lines in your head just in case,” he says. “It’s part of the job.”

Despite the pressure, he describes the experience as deeply rewarding. The cast camaraderie, the travel, and the chance to perform across the country have all made a lasting impact.

“I’ve made great friends and seen parts of the country I never thought I would,” he says. “We even spent a month in California…I can’t complain.”

Though he covers several major roles, his regular onstage appearance is as Otho, a flamboyant and eccentric character who brings comedic energy late in the show.

“He’s basically a fraud…a kind of cult leader,” Fields explains. “And he’s just so fun to play.”

“It really is like being an athlete,” he says, reflecting on his football background. “You have to warm up, stay in shape, and take care of your body.”

Fans of the original film will find plenty of familiar elements in the musical adaptation, but also some updates to make it more current.

“The spirit of the movie is definitely there,” he says. “But the musical puts more focus on Lydia, her story, her relationships, her grief, her growth.”

Songs like “Dead Mom” and “Say My Name” have become standouts and whether audiences come for nostalgia or a fresh theatrical experience, Fields believes the show delivers both.

“It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, and it’s just a great time,” he says. “There’s something for everyone.”

As he prepares to perform for a hometown crowd, his hopes are simple: that audiences show up ready to engage, laugh, and enjoy themselves.

“Come have fun. Be loud. Be part of it,” he says. “That’s what makes this show special.”

For young performers in Jacksonville dreaming of similar paths, his advice is honest and grounded.

“Be lucky. Surround yourself with people who support you. And if you love it, just go all in,” he says. “For me, there was never really another option.”

Six years after stepping into his first community theater role, that leap of faith has carried Adam Fields onto a national stage and back home again.

Catch “Beetlejuice” May 12-17 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts! For tickets CLICK HERE!