Let me premise this by saying that, despite my day job, I'm not a Broadwayaholic. I've seen a good amount of shows over the years, but this is the only one that's compelled me to write about thus far.
For those who aren't familiar with Tim Burton's 80's classic; the story's title character is a mischievous demon (Alex Brightman) attempting to make his way from hell to the real world by manipulating a newly dead couple, the Maitlands (Kerry Butler & Rob McClure). They themselves are attempting to rid their home of a (living) family who just moved in. In the Broadway adaptation, new tenants the Deetz are fragmented at best; consisting of a man (Adam Dannheisser), his lover (Leslie Kritzer), and his gothic, rebellious teenage daughter Lydia (Sophia Anne Caruso), who herself is still in mourning over the loss of her birth mother. In her ability to be "strange & unusual", she can see & interact with both Beetlejuice and the newly dead couple, serving as a bridge of sorts between everyone as they go through the dark, hilarious, and oftentimes emotional motions under one dysfunctional roof.
The first thing I must do is what the show does right from the opening number: warn you that A. this show isn't for children (the original film is a hard PG; if it were rated today it'd definitely be PG-13. I counted 3 F-bombs in the show, though it is still in previews, so this may change), and B. is a show about death. This means if the topic of dying is offensive to you, don't see the show. That said, every other topic after that; from politics, sexual preference, kombucha, other shows, to breaking the 4th wall by taking playful shots at members of the audience, is fair game for BJ. Once you've accepted this fact, buckle up, cause it's gonna be a delightfully twisted, morbidly humorous and surprisingly heartfelt ride to the Netherworld and back.
Set design is teeming with as much energy and charm as the ensemble who play in it; with frequent changes, and an attention to detail the likes of which I'm sure Mr. Burton would be proud of. Visual effects will leave you all at once dazzled, creeped out, and scratching your head wondering "how the hell did they do that?"
The soundtrack, much like the rest of the production, is both familiar, yet fresh, paying homage to the trademark Danny Elfman sound of the film. There are some great songs written for the show, most notably standout numbers from Ms. Caruso's Lydia that are truly memorable. (By the way, semi-spoiler: yes. The scenes and songs you know & love from the film are very much alive & well, and they are simply awesome.)
I can't say enough good things about the ensemble overall. Versatile, captivating, present. Ms. Kritzer in particular, is my nominee for hidden gem of the show, taking on two completely different, yet equally entertaining roles.
I had zero expectations for this show going in. By the time the final act came to a close, I was on my feet, applauding and "WOO"ing the effort from every person/creature on the stage. Beetlejuice is a total surprise, in a really, really good way. This is not a mere copy & paste of the film to the stage. Rather, it is it's own monster; something that people who've never seen the original will love, and one that we, the Black & White faithful, will adore.
Beetlejuice is currently in previews at the Winter Garden Theatre, and opens April 25th. For tickets, visit the box office or go to telecharge.com.
For those who aren't familiar with Tim Burton's 80's classic; the story's title character is a mischievous demon (Alex Brightman) attempting to make his way from hell to the real world by manipulating a newly dead couple, the Maitlands (Kerry Butler & Rob McClure). They themselves are attempting to rid their home of a (living) family who just moved in. In the Broadway adaptation, new tenants the Deetz are fragmented at best; consisting of a man (Adam Dannheisser), his lover (Leslie Kritzer), and his gothic, rebellious teenage daughter Lydia (Sophia Anne Caruso), who herself is still in mourning over the loss of her birth mother. In her ability to be "strange & unusual", she can see & interact with both Beetlejuice and the newly dead couple, serving as a bridge of sorts between everyone as they go through the dark, hilarious, and oftentimes emotional motions under one dysfunctional roof.
The first thing I must do is what the show does right from the opening number: warn you that A. this show isn't for children (the original film is a hard PG; if it were rated today it'd definitely be PG-13. I counted 3 F-bombs in the show, though it is still in previews, so this may change), and B. is a show about death. This means if the topic of dying is offensive to you, don't see the show. That said, every other topic after that; from politics, sexual preference, kombucha, other shows, to breaking the 4th wall by taking playful shots at members of the audience, is fair game for BJ. Once you've accepted this fact, buckle up, cause it's gonna be a delightfully twisted, morbidly humorous and surprisingly heartfelt ride to the Netherworld and back.
Set design is teeming with as much energy and charm as the ensemble who play in it; with frequent changes, and an attention to detail the likes of which I'm sure Mr. Burton would be proud of. Visual effects will leave you all at once dazzled, creeped out, and scratching your head wondering "how the hell did they do that?"
The soundtrack, much like the rest of the production, is both familiar, yet fresh, paying homage to the trademark Danny Elfman sound of the film. There are some great songs written for the show, most notably standout numbers from Ms. Caruso's Lydia that are truly memorable. (By the way, semi-spoiler: yes. The scenes and songs you know & love from the film are very much alive & well, and they are simply awesome.)
I can't say enough good things about the ensemble overall. Versatile, captivating, present. Ms. Kritzer in particular, is my nominee for hidden gem of the show, taking on two completely different, yet equally entertaining roles.
I had zero expectations for this show going in. By the time the final act came to a close, I was on my feet, applauding and "WOO"ing the effort from every person/creature on the stage. Beetlejuice is a total surprise, in a really, really good way. This is not a mere copy & paste of the film to the stage. Rather, it is it's own monster; something that people who've never seen the original will love, and one that we, the Black & White faithful, will adore.
Beetlejuice is currently in previews at the Winter Garden Theatre, and opens April 25th. For tickets, visit the box office or go to telecharge.com.
