“Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice.” The phrase that lets you know something completely messed up is about to happen.
Broadway’s favorite green-haired demon visited Portland’s locally-renowned Keller Auditorium this past month and blew audiences away.
“Beetlejuice’s” raunchy and suggestive humor, Tony-nominated original score, “killer” script, hilarious acting emphasized with impeccable sound effects, an astounding set from the celebrated David Korins, and lighting design that could rival an EDM rave makes Portland’s Center For The Arts’ description calling the show “a very sensory impactful show” look trivial.
“Beetlejuice: The Musical. The Musical. The Musical.” is based off Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic. The musical follows teenager Lydia Deetz, whose world is turned upside down after her mother passes away and her dad, Charles Deetz, moves her and her “life coach” Delia into a haunted house. Lydia encounters a ghost-demon with a thing for stripes, a recently deceased couple, Miss Argentina, a girl scout, and of course, sandworms.
(PLEASE NOTE: This review is from April 14th’s matinee where the following characters were played by understudies: Lydia, Barbara, and “Girl Scout,” as well as Ryan Breslin and Haley Hannah appearing in the ensemble).
Justin Collete’s performance as Beetlejuice was electric, and not a second went by while he was on stage where the audience wasn’t laughing. Not only was Collete leaving the audience in stitches, but his stunning vocals brought the recognizable soundtrack to life and showed his skillful range as a performer.
On the April 14 matinee, understudy Jackera Davis took over the role of Lydia and truly showcased how competitive Broadway-level casting is. Davis’ rendition of “Dead Mom” left audience members in tears. No matter who she shared the stage with, her performance meshed well with her castmates while also being able to stand out.
Collete and Davis’ duo shined bright and left the audience with the biggest smiles on their faces, even if Beetlejuice was a “Creepy Old Guy.”
The show’s resident couples, the Maitlands — the house’s previous owners and resident ghosts — and the (soon-to-be) Deetz couple, stole the show. Lexie Dorsett Sharp (Barabara) and Will Burton’s (Adam) connection dazzled the audience as their “vanilla” characters continuously infuriate Beetlejuice with their lack of fright experience.
Moments between Jesse Sharp (Charles) and Sarah Litzsinger (Delia) were never overlooked by the audience. Their outlandish and risque chemistry grabbed the audience’s attention every time. Litzsinger’s antics on stage blew viewers away with her vocals on “No Reason,” her physical comedy, and overall bizarre behavior.
Eddie Perfect’s original score is simply remarkable, with standouts such as “The Whole Being Dead Thing,” “Dead Mom,” and “Say my Name.” These songs are fan favorites and show why Perfect more than deserved his Tony nomination with his soundtrack, filled with high-paced ramblings, ballads, love duets, and power solos.
The genius of set designer David Korins was on full display with a set only fit for the best of the Netherworld. The principal set piece — being the Maitland’s/Deetz’s/Beetlejuice’s house — is not only the set, but a character in its own right. Audiences watch the set come alive, take different shapes, and transform into the personality of who is living in the house at that particular time.
Simply put, this show felt like a party. With a jumpscare to start act 2, an ensemble that has NO quit, and jokes that (hopefully) fly over any 10-year-old’s head, Beetlejuice is a dazzling show that hopefully everyone is able to experience at least once in their life.
Beetlejuice was at the Keller Auditorium in Portland from April 9-14 and is currently in Costa Mesa California from April 16-28. It will then take a week break before continuing the tour in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 8.
