Beetlejuice Playbill

Beetlejuice The Musical, An “It’s Showtime” Review

Looking for something fun to do this holiday season? Though it would technically fit better for Spooky season, Beetlejuice The Musical is a MUST see! Beetlejuice It’s Showtime captures the essence of the original 1988 Beetlejuice movie while giving the musical a modern twist that’s fun for all audiences and ages. 

If you’ve never been to a Broadway show before, the Beetlejuice musical is one of the top shows we’d recommend you go see as a first timer. Rating this musical with 4.5 stars, it’s captivating, hilarious and well worth the trip.

Beetlejuice Background

What in the World is Beetlejuice?

The Beetlejuice musical is loosely based on the 1988 film directed by Tim Burton with Geena Davis as Barbara Maitland, Alec Baldwin as Adam Maitland, Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz and Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse. 

In the 1988 Beetlejuice movie a young couple meets a tragic end and attempts to haunt a new family that moves into their home in order to get rid of them. Being terrible at being terrifying ghosts, the young couple eventually elicits the help of Beetlejuice – who can be summoned by saying his name 3 times in a row – to get rid of their “live human problem”.

Beetlejuice The Musical Sign
Marquis Entryway for Beetlejuice The Musical

Cast & Staff for the Beetlejuice Musical

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice the musical stays true to the original movie storyline with regards to its casting. The original stars chosen to play the characters in the movie are hard to top! But the musical’s performers did not disappoint! Beetlejuice the musical cast stars Kerry Butler as Barbara, David Josefsberg as Adam, Elizabeth Teeter as Lydia and Alex Brightman as Beetlejuice. Check out the full list of the Beetlejuice team here.

Where Can You Watch Beetlejuice The Musical?

Beetlejuice, beetlejuice, beetlejuice! Now that you’ve summoned the dead man himself, no need to travel anywhere to see him! But if you didn’t want to summon him to your own home, you can go see Beetlejuice the Musical at the Marquis Theater in New York City. You can get your Beetlejuice the musical tickets online or at the theater itself.

Marquis Theater Entrance
Marquis Theater

Worried about transportation? Don’t be! The Marquis theater is only a few blocks away from the subway station. And the closer you get, the more Beetlejuice artwork you’ll see if you catch it before it goes on tour!

Beetlejuice Subway Sign
Beetlejuice Subway Artwork

Why Should You Go See Beetlejuice The Musical. The Musical. The Musical!?

There are many reasons why you should go see Beetlejuice on Broadway. One, if you’re a fan of the Beetlejuice movie, this is a non-negotiable! The musical gives you that nostalgic feeling while also enhancing the storyline to make the production that much more enjoyable.

The Beetlejuice musical is hilarious! Its use of satire and tying the jokes in with modern times  makes the experience relatable for all audiences.

The dialog was engaging/captivating and really pulls the audience into the production. There were several times when Beetlejuice the character would directly engage the audience making the musical conversational and fun.

The actors and actresses had strong voices that were moving and powerful. All notes sung and spoken were clear and well executed. It’s like you were actually at the Maitland residence as a guest watching the spectacle unfold.

The length of Beetlejuice the Musical was appropriate. It was not too long and not too short. Roughly, 2-3 hours in length and there was a short intermission in the middle that left you wanting more.

The actor that played Beetlejuice was absolutely incredible! They easily transitioned from singing to speaking to dancing and joking without losing a breath. Truly an amazing show!

What Are the Special Effects Like?

Stage – Aesthetically, the stage was well done. The productions used a combination of prop and digital screening to enhance the Beetlejuice Broadway musical experience. There were a lot of moving parts which made the viewing experience that much more exciting. They must have had 3 or more versions of the main house swoop in during the musical.

Costumes – The costumes were creative, bright (when applicable to the Beetlejuice the musical characters) and on brand for the franchise. There were quite a few costume changes as well so the visuals were never boring.

Warnings – Seizure warning, there were many strobe lights and effects that could trigger a seizure if one is prone to experiencing them.

Purchasing Stations

When you first enter the theater, after you’ve moved through the usual bag check area, you are met with friendly faces excited for your arrival. There are many stations set up before you officially enter the theater for your enjoyment.

Bars stations – These stations had spooky Beetlejuice themed drinks that were poured into reusable to go cups that also functioned as a souvenir. These cups were very on brand and well made. We’ll be reusing ours as to-go cups for our coffee!

Beetlejuice Specialty Cup
Beetlejuice Specialty Cup

Storefront – These areas had different options for merchandise all from pins and stickers to zip up hoodies and themed mugs. There were definitely options for all age groups although everything is slightly pricey. What do you expect? It’s New York!

Beetlejuice Storefront and merchandise
Beetlejuice Merchandise

Giving Back to the Community

At the end of the production, the Beetlejuice staff let the audience know that they are contributing to society by encouraging the donation to AIDS awareness foundations. Collection stations are set up throughout the theater so that any member of the audience can participate.

What Are You Waiting For?

Unfortunately the Beetlejuice musical will be leaving Broadway January 8th, though a US national tour of the production was planned to start December 2022 so you may be able to catch a show if you plan to travel sometime soon (for tour information, checkout Beetlejuice The Musical’s website). Go see it in New York City on Broadway before time runs out!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*