“Beetlejuice” in Huntsville, brought to us by the Broadway Theater League, is a wickedly delightful production that will leave you dying for more. From the moment the curtains rise, you are transported into a world where the afterlife meets the after-party, and it’s an absolute blast.
The cast of this show is simply out of this world, or should I say, out of the grave? They bring a level of energy and talent that is truly electrifying. The chemistry between the characters is so palpable, you can practically feel the sparks flying off the stage. Isabella Esler as Lydia Deetz is making her professional debut, but she stands out and takes command of the stage. Britney Coleman and Will Burton as Barbara and Adam Maitland are perfect as the newly departed couple. Jesse Sharp as Lydia’s father Charles and Kate Marilley as his fiancé and Lydia’s life coach Delia also transform those characters from the film incredibly to the stage with just the right amount of over the top humor.
The only character that I was slightly disappointed in was Ortho. Abe Goldfarb did a fine job in the role, but the character is much different from the film. Most people may even like the change better than Ortho from the movie, but the character is special to me because Delia’s guru was played in the film by the late Glenn Shadix, a Jasper native, who I had the pleasure of interviewing several years back.
Let’s not forget about Beetlejuice himself, played by Justin Collette, with mischievous charm and quick-witted one-liners. He’s like the ghostly lovechild of a stand-up comedian and a rockstar. While Beetlejuice is a demon/ghost who is deplorable in many ways, he is still a lovable character in the end, and it’s a testament to Collette’s performance that the title character in the stage show is maybe more sympathetic than in the film.
The set design is a visual feast for the eyes, with its vibrant colors and intricate details. The way they seamlessly transition between the living world and the netherworld is nothing short of magical. A couple of people in our party even experienced a couple of jump scares thanks to the efforts of the sound and light crew.
What truly sets this production apart is its ability to balance humor with heart. The production is hilarious and filled with laugh-out-loud moments, but it also touches on deeper themes of love, loss and the importance of embracing our quirks. It’s a reminder that life (and death) is too short to take ourselves too seriously.
If you’re looking for a show that will make you laugh, gasp and tap your toes to catchy tunes, “Beetlejuice” is the ticket you need. It’s a wild ride that will leave you feeling alive, even in the presence of the undead. Don’t miss your chance to experience this wickedly wonderful production before it vanishes into thin air. Trust me, you’ll be dying to see it again.
“Beetlejuice” is playing in Huntsville through Sunday. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit broadwaytheatreleague.org.
The performances are being held in the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. This was my first time to see a show at that facility. It is an outstanding venue with not a bad seat in the house.
I hope this review was just as campy and over the top as the stage show.
