Beetlejuice On Broadway

By: Cole Knox

For this week, I chose to review the 2018 Broadway production of Beetlejuice written by Scott Brown and Anthony King based on the 1988 Tim Burton film. I chose this because it’s a fun way of recreating the popular 1988 adaptation. As many may know, the original Beetlejuice follows The Maitlands, a couple who died after a freak accident and found themselves haunting their house. When the Deetz family moves in, the couple attempts to scare them away without success. Their failed efforts attract a very crude demon named BeetleGeuse whose help quickly becomes harmful for both the Maitlands and the Deetzes.

The musical adaptation of Beetlejuice is very different from its original adaptation. It contains music, a game show with death, and a trip to the netherworld. Despite its differences, it bares many similarities with its own spin on it.

I absolutely loved this musical. The songs are groovy and the special effects are great. My favorite part was when BeetleGeuse was spoken three times and the entire house went dark before a cool drawing effect came on and the house had a new look. The entire stage play explored Lydia's relationship with her father as well as the Maitlands dealing with being dead. If I had the chance I’d experience it repeatedly.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys theatre or musicals. The show is filled with humor, horror and most importantly: Death. If you’re ever in New York City, it’s absolutely worth seeing.

Photo Credit: Cole Knox