Review: BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL at Orpheum Theater

On stage at the Orpheum from September 19-24

By: Sep. 20, 2023
Review: BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL at Orpheum Theater

Looking for a fun night out in the Twin Cities? Look no further than the National Tour of Beetlejuice The Musical, playing at the Orpheum Theatre September 19-24. This tour is a thrilling recreation of the Broadway show, sure to delight even the most buttoned-up theatergoer.

The musical is based on the 1988 Tim Burton film of the same name, which starred Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder as Beetlejuice and Lydia respectively. With music and lyrics by Eddie  Perfect and a book written by Scott Brown and Anthony King, this upbeat show departs from the movie plot and centers more around the teenage Lydia and how she processes her grief around her mother’s recent death. The show’s focus on loneliness and feeling disconnected from others is brought to life not only by Lydia but surprisingly, by Beetlejuice himself.

The cast is top-notch, each performer giving 100% to the show. Young Isabella Esler has a powerful voice and gives Lydia’s yearning for her mother a resonance that anyone missing a loved one can identify with. Matthew Michael Janisse subbed in for Beetlejuice on the night I attended, and he made a valiant effort to take on the meaty role, but struggled with the vocal depths of the score. The jokes were there, but the low notes were not. Kate Marilley as Delia was a highlight – her interpretation of the character was refreshing and a departure from the Broadway production.

The set design for Beetlejuice is ghoulish and garish, with neon greens and gothic black. Beware of long instances of strobing lights, which could be hazardous to some theatergoers. The ensemble cast truly does background work here, as funeral goers, Beetlejuice clones and an array of newly-dead ghosts, but is not given any chance to shine in solo performances. The costumes are thoughtfully designed for each character – the Maitlands look perfectly “Pottery Barn and dry white wine”, which is apt for their characters in a small Connecticut town.

When this show premiered on Broadway to not-so-favorable reviews, what was not considered was the show’s “TikTok-ability” – fans of the show, as well as the cast, made the show go viral through fun lip syncs and behind-the-scenes footage. When the show closed during the COVID pandemic, most thought that would be its last bow on Broadway, but fans quickly campaigned to have it return for another post-pandemic run. A devout Gen Z fanbase turned the show into a hit, and that was obvious at the performance I attended – there were many young theatregoers there dressed in black and white stripes or gothic clothing to pay tribute to their favorite characters. The original Broadway cast recording has over 250 million digital streams in the United States alone, a testament to the popularity of the show.

Beetlejuice is a funny, heartwarming-at-times, raucous-at-times good-time show. Between the delightful musical numbers, breathtaking sets and costumes and winning performances, this production is worth the price of admission. This was an all-around good time, and if you can score a ticket, expect to have a great night at the theatre.


BroadwayWorld Awards Voting

RELATED STORIES - Minneapolis / St. Paul

1
HAPPY HOLI-DANE! TAKE FOUR Comes to History Theatre Photo
HAPPY HOLI-DANE! TAKE FOUR Comes to History Theatre

History Theatre has announced the return of an annual classic, Happy Holi-Dane! Back by popular demand, this ever-changing Holiday Hullabaloo is a warm and wonderful night for the whole family! Tickets on sale now!

2
Cast and Creative Team Set For THE CARP WHO WOULD NOT QUIT AND OTHER ANIMAL STORIES at Chi Photo
Cast and Creative Team Set For THE CARP WHO WOULD NOT QUIT AND OTHER ANIMAL STORIES at Children's Theatre Company

Children’s Theatre Company has announced the cast and creative team for The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories by Reiko Ho and the Honolulu Theatre for Youth Ensemble.

3
Interview: Sarah Santee, Nila Cooper, Cale Bergerson of FIND YOUR HERO - DISNEY ON ICE at  Photo
Interview: Sarah Santee, Nila Cooper, Cale Bergerson of FIND YOUR HERO - DISNEY ON ICE at Xcel Energy Center

Get ready to discover the hero inside us all when Disney On Ice returns to St. Paul with a magical adventure for the whole family! Audiences will discover what it truly means to be a hero as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from around the Disney Kingdom come together to take families on a journey through timeless tales when Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero skates into St. Paul from December 7–10, 2023 at Xcel Energy Center.

4
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Minneapolis / St. Paul Awards; MURDE Photo
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Minneapolis / St. Paul Awards; MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS Leads Best Play!

Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Minneapolis / St. Paul Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

From This Author - Korey Beyersdorf

Korey Beyersdorf is the Director of On-Air Talent for a national television shopping network based in Minnesota. She is a media coach with over 15 years experience and has trained over 1,000 CEO's... Korey Beyersdorf">(read more about this author)

Videos


Peter Pan in Minneapolis / St. Paul Peter Pan
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (12/06-12/31)Tracker
Celtic Woman: 20th Anniversary Tour in Minneapolis / St. Paul Celtic Woman: 20th Anniversary Tour
State Theatre (4/16-4/16)
10,000 Dreams: A Celebration of Asian Choreography in Minneapolis / St. Paul 10,000 Dreams: A Celebration of Asian Choreography
Northrop (4/12-4/13)
A Hygge Holiday by Circus Juventas in Minneapolis / St. Paul A Hygge Holiday by Circus Juventas
Circus Juventas (12/08-12/17)
Ashley Gavin in Minneapolis / St. Paul Ashley Gavin
Pantages Theatre (12/01-12/01)
Dragons Love Tacos: The Musical in Minneapolis / St. Paul Dragons Love Tacos: The Musical
Stages Theatre Company (1/26-2/25)
Lobby Hero in Minneapolis / St. Paul Lobby Hero
Theatre B (2/23-3/10)
Mrs. Doubtfire in Minneapolis / St. Paul Mrs. Doubtfire
Orpheum Theatre (12/19-12/24)
HANDPRINTS in Minneapolis / St. Paul HANDPRINTS
History Theatre (1/27-2/18)
A Midsummer Night's Dream in Minneapolis / St. Paul A Midsummer Night's Dream
Luminary Arts Center (4/05-4/07)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You