Tim Burton’s 1988 film “Beetlejuice” has amassed a dedicated fanbase over the years, drawn to its unique blend of dark humor, whimsical visuals, and memorable characters. Translating such a beloved cult classic to the Broadway stage is no small feat, yet the musical adaptation has managed to carve out its own niche, capturing both the essence of the original while injecting new life and energy into the story.
The Broadway adaptation of “Beetlejuice,” which is directed by Alex Timbers and has music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect along with a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, presents a new take on Burton’s well-known story. The musical has clearly struck a chord with both die-hard moviegoers and newbies, as seen by the raucous attendance at locations like the Tennessee Theatre, where attendees wore striped costumes evoking the title character and Lydia’s gothic wigs..
One of the most notable departures from the original film lies in the portrayal of Beetlejuice himself, brought to life with manic energy by Justin Collette. Unlike Burton’s subtly sinister character, the stage version of Beetlejuice is larger-than-life, embracing vaudevillian antics and desperate charm that play well to a live audience. This reinterpretation adds a new layer of theatricality, transforming Beetlejuice into a charismatic yet unpredictable figure who commands attention whenever he appears onstage.
In a similar vein, characters like Sarah Litzsinger’s Delia and Isabella Esler’s Lydia are reinterpreted in ways that differ from their film versions. In order to fit the plot of the musical, Delia’s connection with Charles and Lydia’s adolescent death fixation are reinterpreted, presenting new dynamics that defy convention while honoring the essence of the original characters.
Central to the success of “Beetlejuice” on Broadway is its innovative set design and stagecraft, masterfully crafted by David Korins and enhanced by Kenneth Posner’s dynamic lighting. From the meticulously reimagined Connecticut farmhouse to surreal transitions through otherworldly realms, the set pieces transport the audience into Beetlejuice’s whimsical universe with vivid imagination and technical precision. Peter Nigrini’s animated projections further enrich the visual landscape, seamlessly blending gothic aesthetics with modern theatrical techniques to create a mesmerizing theatrical experience.
However, amidst the visual spectacle and spirited performances, the musical occasionally falters in its musical execution. Despite witty lyrics and energetic performances, some numbers are overshadowed by dense electronic orchestration and overly amplified sound, which at times detract from the clarity and comedic timing essential to capturing the essence of “Beetlejuice.”
However, the musical has several exceptional moments that highlight its merits. The production’s ability to add musicality to classic comedic moments, causing audiences to laugh and applaud, is best demonstrated by the wild performance of “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” during a dinner party scene. The musical’s ability to combine humor, spectacle, and theatricality into a coherent and enjoyable story that honors Burton’s unique vision is demonstrated in these moments.
‘Beetlejuice’ the musical succeeds in reimagining a beloved cult classic for the Broadway stage, balancing homage to the original film with innovative interpretations that resonate with contemporary audiences. By embracing Burton’s darkly whimsical aesthetic while introducing new elements of theatricality and humor, the production invites theatergoers on a lively journey through the afterlife, albeit with occasional technical hiccups. For fans of the film, experiencing “Beetlejuice” live on Broadway offers a fresh perspective on familiar characters and themes, celebrating the enduring legacy of a beloved cult classic while pushing the boundaries of musical theater creativity.
