Beetlejuice the Musical review

Beetlejuice the Musical has landed in Melbourne with a blaze of black-and-white stripes, undead antics, and high-octane madness. Adapted from Tim Burton’s beloved 1988 film, this musical version cranks up the mayhem, blends in a hefty dose of heart, and delivers a gloriously grotesque night at the theatre.

The book by Scott Brown and Anthony King honours the original film and Burton’s offbeat vision while injecting a welcome touch of originality. Lydia’s grief and her complicated relationship with her father take centre stage, adding depth and emotional complexity. The chaos, macabre oddities, and laughs from the movie are all here, but now there's added warmth and feels.

Eddie Perfect’s music and lyrics perfectly amplify the production’s twisted humour and gothic charm. “That Beautiful Sound” is a deranged highlight, complete with an inspired multi-Beetlejuice choreographic routine (thanks to Connor Gallagher). “What I Know Now” ushers us into the delightfully surreal Netherworld, while “Home” - Lydia’s heartfelt ballad - anchors the musical with a moment of vulnerability as she grapples with identity and belonging. Under Alex Timbers’ slick, fast-paced direction, the show deftly balances absurdist comedy with genuine emotion, never letting the momentum drop, even in its quietest moments.

Karis Oka is a star as Lydia, convincingly portraying a teenager nearly a decade younger. Her presence, mannerisms, and voice all scream angsty adolescent without slipping into caricature. On the evening attended, James Haxby took on the title role (usually played by Perfect) and delivered a performance bursting with manic energy and gleeful havoc. His physicality was magnetic, and full credit to him for maintaining that gravelly, demonic voice through song and speech. His chemistry with Oka crackled with equal parts animosity and begrudging respect.

And then there’s Erin Clare, a revelation as Delia. Channeling a deliriously perfect mix of Moira Rose (Catherine O'Hara in Schitt’s Creek) and Victoria Ratcliff (Parker Posey in The White Lotus), Clare owns the stage every time she appears. She’s absurd, stylish, and deluded in the best possible way.

William Ivey Long absolutely nails the costuming, allowing each character’s personality to shine through as they descend deeper into the warped world of Beetlejuice. From gothic black-and-white ensembles to shimmering gold suits and technicolour chaos, every look complements David Korins’ dynamic scenic design. Though we are mostly confined to the Maitland/Deetz/Beetlejuice household, Korins’ ever-shifting aesthetic for each inhabitant keeps the visuals fresh and the atmosphere electric. 

Kenneth Posner’s lighting design envelops the stage in eerie greens, glowing purples, and sharp strobes that ramp up both horror and hilarity. No (tomb)stone is left unturned when it comes to production values, featuring Peter Hylenski's ghostly sound design, Peter Nigrini’s mesmerising projections, Michael Curry’s wondrous puppets, Jeremy Chernick’s jaw-dropping special effects, and Michael Weber’s mind-bending illusions.

Beetlejuice the Musical delivers a brilliantly chaotic blend of humour, horror, and heart that stays true to Burton’s vision while carving out its own contemporary identity. It’s a theatrical experience that’s as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant, propelled by strong performances and top-tier production values. For anyone craving a night of darkly comic delight with an emotional core, this is a show that won’t disappoint.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St, Melbourne
Season: until 3 Aug | Tues - Thurs 7pm, Fri - Sat 7:30pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm and 6.30pm
Duration: 150 mins inc. 20 minute interval
Tickets: $95 - $190
Bookings: Beetlejuice The Musical

Image credit: Michelle Grace Hunter