Playhouse Square’s touring ‘Beetlejuice, The Musical (times 3) is devilishly funny

First there was Beetlejuice the movie, a 1988 gothic dark fantasy comedy horror film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as, well you know who. The film was a tremendous hit in spite of its macabre story line. It took 30 years (October of 2018 to be exact) that “Beetlejuice The Musical. The Musical. The Musical” saw the light of stage in the National Theatre, Washington, D.C. It hit Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on April 25, 2019 but closed on March 10, 2020 due to Covid.

It was resumed at the Marquis Theatre on April 8, 2022 where it had a nine month run. Plans are in place to reopen it on October 8, 2025 for a limited run through early January of 2026. The national tour that began in 2022 is currently enjoying a six day stop in the KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio.

The musical (times 3) features music by Eddie Perfect with book by Scott Brown and Anthony King and is directed by Alex Timbers with choreography by Connor Gallagher. While most of the main characters from the movie remain, the story line from the movie has been completely reworked to the point where it bears only passing resemblance to the original which is OK as it is still a very entertaining show. One word of warning... the musical is far more adult orientated with mature themes, language and situations that might be offensive to young children. I would rate it around a PG-16 level.

The show begins with a funeral as Lydia Deetz (Madison Mosley) mourns the passing of her mother Emily and the inability to be noticed by her father, Charles (Jesse Sharp) (“Invisible”). Beetlejuice (Justin Collette) appears mocking the entire concept of carpe diem (“The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing”). The millennial-old demon then breaks the fourth wall explaining that he is invisible to all living things unless summoned by someone saying his name three times in secession but that he has a plan.

We are introduced to Adam (Will Burton) and Barbara (Megan McGinnis) Maitland who live in large “fixer-upper”. They have plans to start a family but are holding off until they are more prepared (“Ready, Set, Not Yet”). While wiring a light on a re-purposed baby crib they are electrocuted as a copy of “The Handbook for the Recently Deceased” falls from the ceiling. Beetlejuice grabs the book and burns it as he has plans for the Maitlands to haunt their former home in order to get a living person to say his name the requisite three times. Adam and Barbara wake up and realize that they have died. Beetlejuice appears with the offer to help them adjust to the afterlife (“The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing, Pt. 2”). The couple accepts Beetlejuice offer of help.

A new family has purchased the house and the Maitlands realize they need to haunt the place in order to get rid of them. The purchasers are none other than Charles along with life coach/lover Delia (Katie Griffith or Lexie Dorsett Sharp) and his now goth daughter Lydia who simply wants to make her dad aware of her mom’s death (“Dead Mom”). Delia steps in to consul Lydia (“No Reason”) but fails to change her views.

Charles has purchased the house along with surrounding land in order to make a gated community with the house being the flagship. He has planned a dinner party for an investor. Meanwhile, Beetlejuice has sequestered the Maitlands in the attic to teach the finer points of haunting. Unfortunately, the couple prove to be too nice to be scary. While exploring the house, Lydia happens upon the attic where she meets the Maitlands. Lydia wants to leave the house and return to her old home as much as the Maitlands want them to leave. Lydia tries to convince her dad that the house is haunted only to find that Charles and Delia are now engaged.

Lydia climbs on the roof with thoughts of suicide where she meets a depressed Beetlejuice (“Invisible”) who is excited that Lydia can see him. Beetlejuice convinces Lydia not to off herself but instead help him get rid of the new inhabitants (herself included) and to summon him. Lydia plays along but will not say the name three times. When the Maitlands come around to check on Lydia they are possessed by Beetlejuice to say positive things about him. Seeing that any spirit can use possession, Lydia decides to work with the Maitlands instead to ruin Charles’ dinner party (“Say My Name”).

At the dinner party, Barbara and Adam possess Charles, Delia and their guests (“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song”). Rather than being frightened, the investors see the haunting as a selling point to be involved with Charles’ project. In desperation, Lydia summons Beetlejuice who sends the Maitlands back to the attic and throwing Charles, Delia and the investors out of the house which pleases Lydia.

Be prepared for an assault on the senses. Between the flashing lights (some of which are aimed right at the audience), the sound effects and the orchestra you will find yourself on the cusp of sensory overload...but after all that is what this show is all about. The real hero of the show is the stage crew who seamlessly move David Korin’s complicated stage sets (a half dozen changes) quite quickly. William Ivey Long does a great job with the costuming using a variety of styles and textures. Kenneth Posner’s lighting design adds emphasis where needed 9although I could have done without getting blinded a number of times). Peter Hylenski does his best with the KeyBank State Theatre sound set-up despite all of its flaws. Peter Nigrine adds amazing elements to the show with his projection designs. Michael Curry does a great job with the puppet design.

As for the actors, they are stupendous. Veteran Beetlejuicer Justin Collette is perfect in the role with his funny asides to the audience. Likewise, Madison Mosley as Lydia fills out the part nicely making it totally believable. Megan McGinnis as Barbara and Will Burton as Adam underplay their parts to perfection. Jesse Sharp as the smooth talking Charles is a touch of class.

This is a raucous in your face scream fest that will have you laughing until you hurt. Although lasting a bit over two hours plus intermission the time goes by fast. Put on your best black and white stripes and join the fun. This is a short six day run so get your tickets quickly.

The Playhouse Square touring production of “Beetlejuice...The Musical. The Musical. The Musical.” will be on stage in the KeyBank State Theatre through August 17, 2025. For more information and to purchase tickets go to http://www.playhousesquare.org or call (216) 241-6000.