Leianna Weaver as Lydia and Ryan Stajmiger as Beetlejuice. Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2026.
Those who know me were certain of where I’d be this particular night. Visiting my home, one doesn’t leave without raving of our Beetlejuice bathroom. Technically it’s Tim Burton themed, but the walls are black and white striped and the decor includes eight bath bombs from Glamgoria.com’s Beetlejuice-branded products and probably everything Sprit Halloween has sold with the movie imagery on it. So I was impatient the entire day of the performance, just wishing it would be 7:30pm already! As the venue filled to the brim, seeing at least a good 25% of the crowd had gotten all dolled up for the occasion was my first indication that this was going to be a fantastic evening.
I loved most that the Beetlejuice musical wasn’t just a copy and paste of the movie, not even close. The casting was stunning! Ryan Stajmiger (as the titular Ghost with the Most) and Leianna Weaver (as Lydia Deetz) had huge steps to fill but they coasted—or more like floated—through the evening like the dinner scene in the Burton film. In addition to the acting being beyond amazing, William Ivey Long’s costuming and David Korins’ set design were upper tier. It was a true gift to those of us who kind of live this weirdo life 24/7 to see our interests celebrated and loved in such a grandiose way.
Then there’s Eddie Perfect’s score and musical numbers; while we didn’t have Danny Elfman’s brilliant film score directly with us, I was not disappointed in the least. “Day-O” is the thread that holds the productions together; the performance both in the film and the musical are mirrored reminders of nostalgia. “Ready Set Not Yet” is a hilarious song from Barbara and Adam (Kaitlin Feely and David Wilson), the young couple who end up haunting the Deetz family’s house, about their reasoning for procrastinating child bearing, with Beetlejuice hanging around for every opportunity to get his hands on someone new to toy with. “Dead Mom” is so emotional for anyone with a mom. Whether you’re close or you’ve emotionally separated, it leaves this lasting impression or void that absolutely everyone feels. There’s so much more humor in the live performance as the characters are more empowered to be animated in the greatest ways.
The story without spoilers is Lydia Deetz’s journey to connect with Barbara even if it’s just for one last time while the sarcastic demon Beetlejuice tries to thwart her every effort. It was fun and funny (not surprising), hopeful, haunted in a beautiful way, and a story that touches the audience, whether 12-year-olds or 80, as long as they have this inner darker space in their heart. The artistry that this production and crew bring to life is nothing short of brilliant. The music and more importantly musicianship in and out of the netherworld give the chills we all want and need.
This is a must see for anyone who loves the film, anyone who loves the Burton aesthetic, anyone who loves the songs from the movie or that have gone viral from the musical. It was my first time seeing this but will not be my last (I am definitely checking it out again soon). I had read in reviews that writers Scott Brown and Anthony King had given the musical an unrealistic tone. Is this play Michael Keaton in perhaps his best but no doubt his funniest role ever? NO. And it shouldn’t be. But the Beetlejuice musical is a fun journey through an equally entertaining lens that is heartfelt, funny, and beautiful all the same. My only disappointment was it not having a longer run here, as I already can’t wait to relive the magic when it comes back around. | Diane Ruff
