It's showtime, folks! The ghost-with-the-most makes his Broadway return in this edgy and irreverent musical comedy based on Tim Burton's dearly beloved film. BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a demon with a thing for stripes. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter unleashes a (Nether)world of pandemonium, and the biggest sandworm Broadway has ever seen.
Under Alex Timbers' direction, he successfully stays true to the style of Tim Burton without ever mimicking him. The visuals alone from Kenneth Posner's lighting to David Korins' set to William Ivey Long's costumes are perfectly gothic, moody, and lively. Connor Gallagher's choreography is quite energetic. For those wondering, yes, the giant snake from the original film is included. It's been brought to life by some eye-popping puppet work from Michael Currey. For a show about death, this stage musical adaptation of Beetlejuice makes for a fun night out. The national tour is currently playing at the Durham Performing Arts Center through April 16th.
Many iconic moments from the movie are welcomed surprises, not shoehorned fan service. The striped sandworm, “Jump in the Line,” and a Scooby-Doo-style chase featuring Miss Argentina, Shrunken Head Man and other Netherworld characters all make appearances, and the designs, which riff on the outlandish, signature Burton aesthetic, are eye-popping. Even the uncomfortable child bride plot is transformed into a green card situation for Beetlejuice, which is underlined by the cringey, yet catchy tune “Creepy Old Guy.” If only the show found a way to maintain its moments of musical comedy magic.
| 2018 | Washington, DC (Regional) |
Pre-Broadway Engagement at National Theatre Washington, DC (Regional) |
| 2019 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
| 2022 | Broadway |
Broadway Return Broadway |
| 2022 | US Tour |
North American Tour US Tour |
| 2025 | Broadway |
Broadway |
| 2026 | West End |
West End |
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | BroadwayWorld Awards | Best Touring Production | Beetlejuice |
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