Don’t Say that Famous Name Three Times!

That Famous Guy in Stripes

Based on the many striped suits and goth costumes on audience members entering the theater, it was clear Beetlejuice was going to be something of an experience, perhaps a la Rocky Horror Picture Show. Well, it certainly turned out to be an experience, sans the audience participation aspect of the earlier comic horror musical. It is a razzle-dazzle, high energy, high concept, joke filled experience that is just plain fun from start to finish. 

The story is of a lonely, invisible, very randy demon named Betelguese and a grieving, lonely teenage goth girl named Lydia. They eventually join forces to try to get people to see them, he literally, and she emotionally. With the help of the recently deceased Barbara and Adam, whose house is the setting for all that is to follow, they embark on their quest. For Betelguese, our host and MC for the evening, that means being seen by humans, who he can then terrorize, which is the right of every self-respecting demon. For Lydia it means that her father will talk with her and share her grief about the death of her mother, whose funeral took place in the first scene. Dad is wrapped up in a new affair with the goofy life coach he hired to help Lydia “move on”, and refuses to engage with her. Much mayhem follows as Betelguese causes all manner of hooha to get what he wants. Lydia has a few surprises up her sleeve, too, as do Barbara and Adam.

a Fun Afterlife

On opening night, Betelguese was played by understudy Matthew Michael Janisse, who was terrific. With perfect timing and a twinkle in his eye most of the time, he delivered a vaudeville worthy performance, dancing and prancing about, telling his bawdy jokes, demanding the audience applaud him, and threatening everyone in sight. Isabella Esler as Lydia has a strong, beautiful voice. She expressed the deep sadness of the lonely teenager, as well as the determination of a young woman to get her father to finally see her. The entire cast excelled in their roles.

Music & Lyrics are by Eddie Perfect. Lydia’s opening song, Invisible, speaks to her sadness of being alone in her grief. That is immediately followed by the appearance of that devious demon singing the raucous The Whole “Being Dead” Thing, reminding us all that we are all doomed, that “The Sword of Damocles is swinging, And if I hear your cell phone ringing, I will kill you myself.” He speaks directly to the audience, including everyone in this roller-coaster ride of a show. One minute, someone expresses a deep feeling and the next there is a humorous song, or dancing skeletons, or dead cheerleaders, or…Whew! Getting a bit dizzy here.

The Book is by Scott Brown & Anthony King. Their sense of humor leans more toward the bawdy, low-brow, wink-wink type, although witty repartee also makes an appearance, as does topical humor. When asked what scares him, dead home-owner Adam replies, “The Electoral College”. 

The set, designed by David Korins, is a character itself. With four major set changes, the house is an integral part of the story, from the roof, to the attic, to the living room that changes decor depending upon who is living in it. Lighting was designed by Kenneth Posner, and is its own show. Flashing colored lights greet the audience upon arrival. The set lighting changes from green to red in a flash, and like the set, is an integral part of the experience.

a Fresh Homage

At his appearance after Lydia’s opening number, Invisible, Betelguese says to the audience, “Holy crap, a ballad already. And such a bold departure from the original source material.” I have never seen either the film or the animated series of Beetlejuice, so for me this is altogether new. However, the very talented creative team pays homage in the program for inspiration for their musical to the macabre genius of Tim Burton, who directed the film. Just so you know.

Beetlejuice is an over-the-top ghoulish delight that carries a message about inclusion and human connection and is about as fun as fun can be.