Denver Center for the Performing Arts welcomes Beetlejuice: The Musical The Musical The Musical
In town from Aug.4 through Aug. 9, this comedy full of horror brings surprise, intrigue and (most importantly) constant laughter to the audience. Devoted enthusiasts of the 1988 Tim Burton film may be surprised to see how hard they fall in love with this version of the “Ghost with the Most.”
“Lively” Cast of Characters
The black-and-white striped musical debuted on Broadway on April 25, 2019. Though the musical did not win any of the 8 competitive Tony awards that it was nominated for in 2020, it has gained a hardcore and dedicated fanbase and has become a pillar in the world of musical theater.
Beetlejuice centers around the habitual and recently deceased Adam and Barbara Maitland who attempt to haunt their home back from the affluent Deetz family, who moved in after their untimely demise. They encounter the wily and deceitful demon, Beetlejuice, and the “strange and unusual” teenager, Lydia, who would go to hell and back in order to have another moment with her own recently deceased mother.
The extremely talented and multifaceted cast and ensemble present themes such as loss, love, inevitable change and belonging to the audience through dark comedy, powerful and catchy songs and heartfelt insights into what it means to truly be alive.
That Beautiful Sound
This musical has been praised by many for its iconic soundtrack, composed by Eddie Perfect. The cast adds an entirely new depth of feeling to the unique and genre-merging show-stopping numbers.
Lydia Deetz, played by Los Angeles-based Leianna Weaver, is who many think about when preparing a song for an audition or broadway-themed karaoke night. Her rock-ballads “Dead Mom” and “Home” send chills down the spines of all who listen. Weaver pours her heart into the lyrics and brings the house down during each number, while providing her own spin on Lydia’s need to be visible.
Beetlejuice, played by Ryan Stajmieger, uses his 4th wall-ignoring songs in order to relate to the audience, who seem to really be a figment of his imagination. Stajmeiger brings charm and witty exuberance to his songs, nailing the trademark growl of Beetlejuice’s natural voice and seamlessly switching accents in between phrases.
The Maitlands are played by the immensely talented David Wilson and Kaitlin Feely. Their musical numbers go from a cautious and expected look at life in “Ready Set, Not Yet” to the “after-life revolutionary” song, “Barbara 2.0.” They both provide a realistic yet imaginative view into the minds of ghosts who have to witness their lives being upheaved by the living, and they do so with grace and humor unmatched by any other soul.
Another notable performer is the hilarious and wildly talented Bailey Frankenberg who plays Delia Deetz, Lydia’s life coach and the lover-turned-fiancé of Charles Deetz’s, played by Jeff Brooks. The original film role, made iconic by the late, great Catherine O’Hara, gets a wonderful upgrade when Frankenberg fills her shoes and performs “sucks-yes!” Her strong, effervescent vocals make her the perfect choice to play the role of Delia.
The ensemble is one of the most important parts of any musical. This company; Emily Adams, Justin Baret, Mai Caslowits, Ralph P. Daniel, Adam Fields, Da’zaria Harris, Michael P. Korner, Catie Leonard, Victoria Mesa, Clark A. Rulon, Nick Signor, Jullian Worthing and Galvin Yuar, demonstrate their immeasurable value.
Members change costumes, styles and roles frequently and seamlessly. Often, the ensemble is used to validate the plans of Beetlejuice as they shape shift into soulful choirs, acrobatic skeletons and goofy BeetleJuice Clones. The song, “What I Know Now” is a latin-inspired ensemble-led number that explains the importance of valuing life and those who live it with you.
Set Design
Denver’s theater buffs will be absolutely enthralled by the set design, imagined and brought to “life” by David Korins.
The Burton-inspired whimsically spooky, lopsided and interchangeable scenery forces double takes at the onstage magic, as audiences think to themselves, “Why didn’t I see that before?” Illusions are cleverly hidden within walls, light tricks and even among cast members, so that no one watching the performance knows exactly where to look.
Creating an onstage world akin to that of Tim Burton’s brilliant and macabre vision is not an easy task. For illusionist Michael Weber, it was important to create a story within the magic.
In a CBS interview, Weber expressed his vision, “to have such detail in the costumes and props, that helps you get into the world night after night.”
Fire, levitation and the disappearance of limbs are just some of the incredible and ghastly feats in this production. At the show’s climax, a humongous, ghost-devouring sand worm gives the unexacting audience the fright of their lives.
Ready, Set…
Beetlejuice is no ordinary musical. Its fun and playful nature earned a standing ovation on opening night in Denver.
Parents should be wary of bringing children under the age of 16. As Beetlejuice jokes right before committing a serious crime, “Any children here? Brave choice. But, you’re all the way back there so it’s a safe distance. Good job parents.”
It’s rather strange for a “creepy old guy” to give lectures on how to live from beyond the grave, even if he makes them comfortable with the whole “being dead thing.” Yet, the song, dance and trickery ensures that this is a musical that audiences will think about every “day-o.”
Absolutely a 10 out of 10 musical!
Editor’s note: Tickets are available at DenverCenter.org.