It’s Showtime! Beetlejuice: The Musical Brings the Laughs (and the Afterlife)

On Tuesday night, August 12th, Beetlejuice: The Musical hit the Broadway stage at KeyBank State Theater. From the moment the curtain rose, it was big, bold, and electric. With wild lighting, high energy, and a sharp sense of humor, the show delivered. It perfectly balances the nostalgia of Tim Burton’s film with new, vibrant musical numbers that brought the story to life in a whole new way.

The story centers around Lydia Deetz (Madison Mosley), a gothic teenager mourning her mother’s death. She soon learns that a recently departed couple, as well as the obscene and mischievous demon, Beetlejuice, have haunted their new home. As Beetlejuice attempts to resurrect himself, taking advantage of Lydia’s desperation, chaos breaks out.

Justin Collette as Beetlejuice was definitely a notable performance. His unwavering enthusiasm and the remarkable ability to hold the audience’s attention made him the absolute star on the stage, living up to the Beetlejuice title. He made every moment entertaining and unpredictable by breaking the fourth wall. There were multiple times when he would shout to the crowd, holding his ear to signal to applaud more. He would even talk to the audience, especially to one particular guy. Regardless of how well-known the plot was, his charm gave the story a new and vibrant side. 

The lighting effects and stagecraft were intense in the best way. The flashing lights, quick transitions, and dramatic visuals made it a sensory feast. The production leaned fully into the strange, whimsical world of Beetlejuice, which worked beautifully. The director, Alex Timbers, allowed the cast to play big, lean into absurdity, and still land emotional beats when needed.

Making this film into a musical elevated the story in a natural and energetic way. The musical numbers weren’t just catchy; they added depth to the characters and enhanced the emotional moments without slowing down the show. Whether it was Beetlejuice belting a ridiculous number or Lydia singing something more heartfelt, the music hit all the right notes.

The show addresses grief, family, and identity despite its wild humor and supernatural antics, particularly through Lydia’s story. It doesn’t shy away from emotional moments, without becoming too serious. Part of what makes Beetlejuice such a memorable experience is the harmony between heart and humor. The script flirts with the boundaries in a way Beetlejuice would be proud of, clever, a bit wicked, and not exactly sugar-coated.

The audience certainly did not disappoint. Everyone dressed down in their Beetlejuice attire, black and white suits, green makeup, and purple dresses. The audience was completely into it, laughing, clapping, and reacting to every joke and twist. Beetlejuice’s constant interaction with the audience gave the whole night a spontaneous feel. It wasn’t just a performance; it felt like a shared experience.

This musical is a must-see for anyone who enjoyed the first Beetlejuice film. It holds its nostalgic charm while adding just the right amount of fresh flair. Between the strong cast, incredible production design, and clever writing, Beetlejuice: The Musical is a chaotic, heartwarming, and enjoyable night at the theater. The show runs until August 17th.