Australia’s First Look at BEETLEJUICE!

“It’s Showtime!” at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre as Tim Burton’ iconic demon sneaks back to life in the Australian Premiere of Beetlejuice the Musical. 

If you’re new to the cult classic, Beetlejuice follows Lydia Deetz –  a self-proclaimed “strange and unusual” teen mourning the loss of her mother and desperate to be seen by her neglectful father. When the Deetzes move into a home haunted by the ghosts of a lovable couple—and a rambunctious, chaos-loving demon named Beetlejuice—Lydia is bridged between embracing the living or succumbing to the netherworld. It’s whacky, heartfelt, hilarious, and an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish.

The musical adaptation of the beloved ’80s blockbuster premiered on Broadway in 2019, scoring eight Tony nominations and receiving widespread acclaim. Directed by Alex Timbers, Book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, the heart of the musical lies in the music and lyrics crafted by Australia’s own Eddie Perfect. Not only can we proudly claim Perfect’s masterful writing, but those fortunate enough to catch the Melbourne season will see the acclaimed writer step into the very score he created – transforming into the outlandish Beetlejuice himself.

Brought to Australia by the Michael Cassel Group and Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Beetlejuice will play a strictly limited season until August, exclusively at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre.

The Regent is unrecognisable at the premiere. The charming Victorian auditorium is spookily immersive, illuminated in vibrant purples and greens and underscored by an eerily playful soundscape – it feels as though you’ve stepped into another dimension. Kenneth Posner’s lighting design is a character of its own, with detailed states that entrancingly guide the audience between the worlds of the living and the dead. David Korins’s sheer imagination in his set design feels limitless, complete with a giant sandworm that barrels across the stage.

Perfect’s lyrics, combined with King and Brown’s book, are seamlessly hilarious and modern. The humour is nonstop, relatable, and immersive, and you’ll rarely catch a breath from the absurdity. It’s unmistakable that an Australian hand shapes the work—Perfect’s lyrics particularly shine in his witty patter, dripping with a cheeky edge.

The composer is unrecognisable as Beetlejuice as he entirely encapsulates the fiendish spirit. He completely wrangles the 2,000-seat theatre, and although every moment is dripping with his disgusting charm, he remains utterly lovable – even if you don’t want to admit it.

Karis Oka’s Lydia and Perfect’s Beetlejuice bounce off each other with rambunctious energy. Despite her gothic exterior, Oka’s Lydia is unmistakably loveable throughout. Her 11 o’clock number, “Home,” delivers a well-earned moment of catharsis amid the chaos.

Elise McCann and Rob Johnson, as Adam and Barbara respectively, are wholesome and hilarious in their portrayals of the endearing couple. Even in their background moments, the warmth in their chemistry makes them so fun to watch – you’ll want to keep an eye on them at all times.

The production truly showcases the incredible female talent we have in this country, featuring a diverse array of astonishing performances across the board. Erin Clare’s Delia is utterly iconic – no one but Erin could make a ‘dab’ brilliant – which speaks volumes about just how hilarious her Delia truly is. 

The ensemble moves with skill and precision, unanimously holding their own and each bringing their own unique quirks in every moment. They’re a highlight of Conor Gallagher’s crisp choreography. Rebecca Ordiz’s infectiously sweet Girl Scout is the perfect start to the 2nd act and Andy Conaghan’s Guru Otho’s is impeccable.  

If you’re looking for some triple-threat magic, Angelique Cassimatis as Miss Argentina is a showstopper. She has the audience in the palm of her hand in her solo number in “What I know Now”. If there’s one number you must see in the show, it’s this one –  Cassimatis’s performance was met with applause that might never have ended if the cast hadn’t moved on. 

If this show is what you get for saying “Beetlejuice” three times, scream it louder. Get to the Regent Theatre as soon as you can for a glimpse of this iconic, ghoulish spectacle.

BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL is now playing at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre.

For tickets and more information, visit beetlejuicethemusical.com.au.

Photos by Michelle Grace Hunder