It’s showtime! The eight-time Tony Award-nominated musical BEETLEJUICE has made its Australian premiere, and is now haunting the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. In this irreverent production based on Tim Burton’s film, you’ll follow the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange teenager who is obsessed with the whole “being dead thing”. Her new house is haunted by a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a degenerate demon with a thing for stripes. When she calls on Beetlejuice to scare away her dad and life coach, he comes up with a chaotic plan which involves exorcism and more! Buckle up for the fright of your lives in this chaotic show about death.
BEETLEJUICE the musical
This hilarious adaptation was nominated for multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. The music and lyrics for this show were created by Melbourne’s own Eddie Perfect, who is now playing the titular character for the very first time.
“Beetlejuice is a taboo-busting, shape-shifting, fourth-wall-smashing, free-lovin’ ball of neediness and I’m excited (and a healthy amount daunted) to play the role,” said Perfect. “And I’m especially thrilled to be able to bring the world of BEETLEJUICE back to Melbourne, to share this strange and unusual tale with my home town.”
BEETLEJUICE is directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge), an original score by Eddie Perfect, a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, choreography by Connor Gallagher and music supervision, orchestrations and incidental music by Kris Kukul. It features scenic design by David Korins (Hamilton), costume design by six-time Tony Award-winner William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Kenneth Posner and sound design by Peter Hylenski (Frozen).
Review
This unhinged production has the perfect combination of outrageous antics and poignant moments. Karis Oka in the role of Lydia is the heart of the show, as she grapples with grief after the death of her mother. Meanwhile, Perfect is delightfully zany and inappropriate as he acts as the MC for the audience, and a threatening ‘guide to the other side’ for the other characters.
Elise McCann and Rob Johnson shine as the recently deceased couple, Barbara and Adam Maitland. They’re endearing as they try their best to be ‘scary’ ghosts in the attic, and offer a reassuring parental presence for Lydia.
Playing the role of Delia is Erin Clare, who earns plenty of laughter as a life coach for Lydia. Her line deliveries and physical humour is superb. I think I will unironically pronounce ‘success’ as ‘sucks-yes!’ from now on. Tom Wren as Charles, Lydia’s dad, completes their wacky pair, and it’s great to see them ham up their relationship. Wren is also able to deliver a lot of heart and sincerity as the show goes on.
Every cast member brings their A-game. Rebecca Ordiz as the enthusiastic and chirpy Girl Scout is a particular stand-out for Act 2, as was Andy Conaghan as the ridiculous guru Otho. Angelique Cassimatis is captivating as Miss Argentina.
Both the script and the music work in harmony to deliver a rollercoaster ride of insanity. It captures the spirit of the film, without copying it scene for scene. There’s plenty of incredible set pieces, costumes and visual effects, from the massive sandworm to the assortment of dancing skulls. The house is a character of its own, transforming multiple times from the welcoming vibes of the Maitlands, to the sleek space of the Deetzes and the dark and messy setting under Beetlejuice’s control.
All in all, this show is certainly one of the best musicals of the year. Whether you’re a fan of the movie, or you’re coming in with fresh eyes, you’ll have a deviously delightful time.
