In case you didn’t know musical adaptions of Pop Culture hits are very much in vogue right now. From Back to the Future to Paddington there are musicals for almost everything and they are good (let’s not talk about Spider-Man). But if you had to pick one that has definitely risen spinning head above all others it is the ‘Ghost with the Most’ who has been resurrected into a Broadway musical in a big way.
With pop culture audiences already primed for musicals thanks to Disney and the rise of shows like Hazbin Hotel (Fun fact – Adam in Hazbin plays Beetlejuice on Broadway) we are ready for some 80s themed stage shows. So should you go see it? Let’s give you 5 reasons you might not know:
1It’s better than the movie.
Ok yes, it’s still a musical and you are expecting a little bit of a happy ending and maybe a tighter story but if you had to choose between the story of the 1hr32m OG Beetlejuice movie (ok Michael Keaton has more screen time in the sequel) and the 2h30min musical (there is an intermission) the musical just has a tighter more universally appealing story that works for all ages. As much as we love the original the story is… a little clunky in some parts.
2It has more Beetlejuice.
So, so much more. Out of the 92 minutes of runtime for the 1998 movie the titular character only has about 17 minutes of screentime. While the musical does not have Michael Keaton they definitely are a lot more loose with the ‘Juice.
3It is Australian. No, not just this production.
While there are casts and productions on Broadway and in London’s West End the music and lyrics are by Australian Eddie Perfect who you might know from various Australian TV shows, comedy festivals or even his earlier 2008 musical, Shane Warne: The Musical.
4It is coming to town near you.
Well when we say near you we mean a capital city and when we say capital city we mean not Melbourne because it has already been there… And sorry Darwin… and Canberra you know what you did… BUT if you are in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Sydney those are the cities it will be touring to for the rest of the year.
5Treat yo self.
While not every theatre production is going to be appeal to the majority of pop culture afficandoes such as yourself this is definitely a treat. Tickets CAN be pricey but depends on your seat AND when you go. Weekend Matinees can be kinder to your bank balance than an opening Friday night.
But if you want to go you can always dress to impress with that outfit you might only wear to the fanciest of reasons (or maybe just your Beetlejuice themed cosplay best which is also not discouraged).
Beetlejuice the Musical is currently in Brisbane and running until August before it moves to Perth, then Adelaide then Sydney. Tickets are on sale now from the official Beetlejuice the Musical website (or maybe the venue)
IMPORTANT UPDATE – BEETLTEJUICE THE MUSICAL TOUR HAS BEEN CANCELLED WITH BRISBANE BEING THE FINAL STOP WITH A HALF SEASON. IF YOU WANT TO GO SEE IT, GET YOUR TICKETS NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE
