Everybody's favorite ghost-with-the-most has finally made it to Broadway. Beetlejuice appears on stage in this hilarious new musical that subverts all of Broadway's conventions. Based on Tim Burton's classic, other-worldly film, this hilarious new musical is an absolute killer.
Beetlejuice tells the story of a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life is upended when she meets a recently deceased couple in her father's new house. Then, when a dastardly demon with a thing for stripes wants to use her for his own nefarious purposes, she has to figure out what is truly important. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that will have you tapping your toes long after you’ve shuffled off this mortal coil, Beetlejuice is musical unlike anything you will see in this world (or the next).
And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
The retooling done since its out-of-town tryout in D.C. - along with a host of others plot twists and character tweaks - gives the latest film-to-musical adaptation fresh snap, surprises and (gasp!) even heart. Sure, the narrative becomes a bit of a cluster-muck in the second act - but mostly it's just screamingly good fun.
The score by Eddie Perfect isn't exactly perfect but it's plenty jaunty, though 'The Banana Boat Song' and 'Shake Senora' from the film are the show's musical highlights. Director Alex Timbers matches film director Tim Burton's ceaseless creativity. Obviously the challenge was on having to compete with all the filmic effects, and thanks to scenic designer David Korins and the special effects creators, the imagery is truly dazzling. Besides Beetlejuice, the showcase character is Leslie Kritzer's ditzy Delia, and she utterly slays us with this off-the-wall performance. For all the talent here, the show suffers from sensory overload. Then again, that may be just the way 'diehard' fans prefer it.
2018 | Washington, DC (Regional) |
Pre-Broadway Engagement at National Theatre Washington, DC (Regional) |
2019 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
2022 | Broadway |
Broadway Return Broadway |
2022 | US Tour |
North American Tour US Tour |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Book of a Musical | Scott Brown |
2019 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical | William Ivey Long |
2019 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical | Leslie Kritzer |
2019 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Projection Design | Peter Nigrini |
2019 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Puppet Design | Michael Curry |
2019 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Set Design for a Musical | David Kornins |
2019 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Wig and Hair Design | Charles G. LaPointe |
2019 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Alex Brightman |
2019 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Leslie Kritzer |
2019 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical | Beetlejuice |
2019 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Costume Design | William Ivey Long |
2019 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical | Leslie Kritzer |
2019 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Projection Design | Peter Nigrini |
2019 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Scenic Design | David Korins |
2019 | Theatre World Awards | Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut Performance | Sophia Anne Caruso |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Book of a Musical | Scott Brown |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Costume Design of a Musical | William Ivey Long |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Lighting Design of a Musical | Kenneth Posner |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Beetlejuice |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre | Eddie Perfect |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical | Alex Brightman |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Scenic Design of a Musical | David Korins |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Sound Design of a Musical | Peter Hylenski |
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