Review: 'Beetlejuice' elevates beyond the thrills and chills of the film

“Beetlejuice” has been number one on my list of musicals to see since it debuted on Broadway in 2019. (I even had tickets to see it on Broadway for my 21st birthday in March of 2020, but of course it was cancelled by the pandemic.) Boy was it worth the wait.

Britney Coleman (Barbara), Will Burton (Adam), Isabella Esler (Lydia), and Justin Collette in "Beetlejuice". — *From left are Britney Coleman (Barbara), Will Burton (Adam), Isabella Esler (Lydia), and Justin Collette in “Beetlejuice”.*
_{Photos by Matthew Murphy}

characters in beetlejuice the musical — *Kate Marilley (Delia), left, and Jesse Sharp (Charles)*.

The music is incredibly catchy and witty, and when combined with the set, costumes, and a little theater magic, it adds up to a wonderful adapted version of the classic film that is equal parts high-energy, morbid, and meaningful. That’s not to say this version of “Beetlejuice” doesn’t make some changes to the classic story, it certainly does. But don’t worry, they kept all your favorite iconic moments, but freshened up the story and modernized it for the current generation. I was smiling and laughing like a madman most of the show. The comedy is top notch.

The breakout star of the cast is Isabella Esler, who plays Lydia Deetz. At just 18 years old and fresh from graduating high school, this is Esler’s first professional theater gig. She has an amazing voice and absolutely crushes the role. Justin Collette portrays Beetlejuice, and while Mr. Juice is still a slimy old pervy corpse, this version of him actually gets some growth and is a lot more lovable than the classic Keaton version.

“Beetlejuice, The Musical. The Musical. The Musical.” is performing now through July 2, 2023 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Fla., but currently sold out. The show often uses explicit language and features many sexually suggestive situations, so leave the kiddos at home.

Guests who embark on the Norwegian Viva will be able to catch a 90 minute version of the show when the cruise ship sets sail this August.

In The Parks

You can sometimes meet Beetlejuice in the Universal theme parks, so keep an eye out. Here’s a look at Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Review, which used to be at Universal Studios Florida. Below that is a walk-through of the Beetlejuice haunted house, which was at Halloween Horror Nights one year.

Full Final Performance of Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue at Universal Studios Florida