Tim Burton’s cleverly stylized 1988 film Beetlejuice has legions of fans, and based on the crowd at the Tennessee Theatre lobby Tuesday evening, the Broadway musical adaptation has quite a few as well. The audience was filled with people sporting striped outfits and Goth-inspired hairstyles, echoing the characters from the beloved film. 

They were there for the now-touring Broadway production of Beetlejuice, with music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect and a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, directed by Alex Timbers.

A Bold Departure from the Original

The creators of the stage adaptation have taken significant liberties with the original plot and characters, opting for a louder, more cartoonish approach. The role of Beetlejuice, played by Justin Collette, has been expanded into an even more manic and vaudevillian character. 

Delia, portrayed by Sarah Litzsinger, has a different relationship with Charles and the death-obsessed teenager Lydia, which is a departure that may disappoint fans of the film.

Spectacular Set and Stagecraft

A significant portion of the show’s fun and energy comes from the clever set and stagecraft by David Korins and lighting by Kenneth Posner. 

The audience is taken on a wild ride from the living room of the Connecticut farmhouse to its attic, where Barbara and Adam reside as ghosts, and even to hell and back. Peter Nigrini’s cartoon-like projections effectively transition scenes. 

However, the overuse of spooky effects, strobe lights, and relentless sight gags and jokes can feel overwhelming. The electronic orchestration often drowns out the lyrics of the musical numbers, diminishing the impact of the music.

Musical Highlights and Lows

The music in Beetlejuice is generally underwhelming, with a notable exception being the hilarious “Day-O” at a dinner party scene. Despite this, the creators seem to have opted for excess over substance, leaving the audience overwhelmed by effects rather than impressed by creativity.

Standout Performances

Elaine Stritch famously told Nathan Lane, “They’re not paying you enough” backstage at the Addams Family musical, and the same could be said for Alex Brightman, who stars as Beetlejuice. 

Brightman’s performance is a marvel, captivating the audience even when the jokes fall flat. He embodies the role with a blend of gross humour and charisma.

Sophia Anne Caruso’s portrayal of Lydia, while vocally impressive, comes across as overly sombre and sanctimonious. Her quest to find her deceased mother in the Netherworld adds a melancholic tone to the otherwise brash production.

Creative Challenges and Design

The production struggles with maintaining the quirky charm of the original film. David Korins’s set design and William Ivey Long’s costumes, inspired by Edward Gorey, add to the show’s visual appeal, but they fail to capture the magical essence of Burton’s work. The haunted house set design never truly takes flight, and the cartoonish elements feel like pale imitations of the film’s unique style.

Broadway’s Beetlejuice offers a different and brash take on the beloved film, but it may not resonate with all fans. The production’s over-the-top approach sacrifices the original’s charm and wit for spectacle and shock value. 

While the set and stagecraft are impressive, the music and character adaptations often fall short. However, standout performances, particularly by Alex Brightman, provide enough entertainment to make the show a wild ride worth experiencing. 

For fans of the film and those seeking a high-energy, visually stunning theatrical experience, Beetlejuice delivers plenty of laughs and spectacle, even if it lacks the nuanced charm of Tim Burton’s original.

The information is taken from Star Tribune and Denver Post