About the work
Beetlejuice is a musical with music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect and a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, based on Tim Burton's cult film of 1988. Its 2019 Broadway premiere combines black humour, macabre stage effects and a frenetic stage show. Garish, cheeky and warm-hearted at once, the show became a favourite especially with a young audience and developed a devoted fan base.
Plot
The newly deceased couple Adam and Barbara Maitland must watch as ghosts while a new family moves into their beloved house. Desperate to drive out the intruders, they get involved with the chaotic, megalomaniac demon Betelgeuse, who is only waiting to return to the world of the living. At the centre is the deeply sad teenager Lydia, marked by the loss of her mother, the only one able to see the ghosts. Amid haunting, dance numbers and a looming forced wedding, Lydia learns to cope with her grief – while Betelgeuse drives the chaos to its peak.
Cultural significance
Beetlejuice translated Tim Burton's quirky aesthetic into an effects-laden stage show and surprised audiences with an unexpectedly moving story about grief, death and togetherness. Despite mixed reviews, it became a surprise audience hit thanks to word of mouth, social media and its cult-adored leading character. Songs such as "Dead Mom" and "Say My Name" combine anarchic wit with real feeling. The show is regarded as a prime example of how a musical can become a hit through an enthusiastic fan base.