Producers Michael Cassel Group and Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures are thrilled to announce the international smash-hit BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL will make its Middle East premiere in Abu Dhabi later this year at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, from 20-30 November 2025. The show will premiere in partnership with Proactiv Entertainment, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Miral.
It’s showtime, folks! BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL, Broadway’s “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety) musical comedy, is more reckless, more irreverent and, frankly, more repellent than ever! Based on Tim Burton’s wonderfully demented film, BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, her new house is haunted by a recently deceased couple and a degenerate demon with a thing for stripes. When Lydia calls on this ghost-with-the-most to scare away her insufferable parents, Beetlejuice comes up with the perfect plan, which involves exorcism, an adorable girl scout who gets scared out of her wits and a whole (nether)world of pandemonium. But under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL is a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
“BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL is a celebration of outrageous humour, incredible talent, and pure theatrical spectacle” said Producer Michael Cassel. “We have enjoyed such a wonderful time bringing our international tours of THE LION KING and HAMILTON to Abu Dhabi over the past three years, and we are thrilled to return with this spectacular production, which I know local audiences will embrace.”
“Bringing BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL to Abu Dhabi marks an exciting new chapter in the show’s global journey,” said Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Mark Kaufman. “We cannot wait to share this wildly fun and creatively bold production with new audiences in the UAE.”
“We’re thrilled to bring one of the most buzzed-about shows in the world to Abu Dhabi for the very first time,” said NicolasRenna, CEO of Proactiv Entertainment. “For a show that dives headfirst into the theme of death, it’s outrageously full of life and humor. Audiences can expect what feels like a full-blown stand-up comedy show wrapped inside a big, spectacular musical. BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL’ is definitely going to be unlike anything the region has seen.”
“We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with the Department of Culture of Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Proactiv Entertainment, and the renowned Michael Cassel Group to present BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL at Etihad Arena for the very first time”said Taghrid AI Saeed, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications & Events at Miral. “Following the success of THE LION KING and HAMILTON- the first two theatrical productions to play at Yas Island – BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL marks the next exciting chapter in our long-standing partnership with the Michael Cassel Group. This production is an incredible addition to our events calendar and further solidifies Yas Island’s position as a premier destination for world-class, unforgettable experiences.”
BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL is directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!, Peter and the Starcatcher), with an original score by Tony Award-nominee Eddie Perfect (King Kong), a book by Scott Brown & Emmy Award nominee Anthony King (Broad City), choreography by Connor Gallagher (The Robber Bridegroom), and music supervision, orchestrations and incidental music by Kris Kukul (Joan of Arc: Into the Fire).
BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL features scenic design by two-time Tony Award nominee David Korins (Hamilton), costume design by six-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long (The Producers), lighting design by Tony Award winner KennethPosner (Kinky Boots), sound design by four-time Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski (Frozen), projection design by Drama Desk Award winner Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen), puppet design by Drama Desk Award winner Michael Curry (The Lion King), special effects design by Jeremy Chernick (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), illusions by Michael Weber (Forrest Gump), hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe (Hamilton), make-up design by Joe Dulude II (Wicked), dance arrangements by David Dabbon and music producing by Matt Stine.
Beetlejuice is based on the 1988 Academy Award-winning Geffen Company motion picture with story by Michael McDowelland Larry Wilson. The smash hit comedy was directed by Tim Burton.
Pre-sale tickets will go on sale on 5 May with general on-sale tickets available on 8 May from etihadarena.ae and platinumlist.net.
Michael Cassel Group
Michael Cassel Group produces the world’s greatest theatrical productions and live entertainment on stages internationally. Current productions include the Australian premieres of Titanique, MJ and Beetlejuice The Musical.
Following an acclaimed run in London’s West End, Michael Cassel Group is the producer of the Broadway premiere of The Picture of Dorian Gray with Emmy and Golden Globe award-winner Sarah Snook reprising her Olivier Award-winning performance.
Also on Broadway, Michael Cassel Group is a co-producer of the new musical Redwood starring and created by Tony and Emmy Award-winning performer Idina Menzel and is a co-producer of the smash hit musical MJ.
Prior Australian productions include Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, & Juliet, Dear Evan Hansen, MaryPoppins, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Les Misérables, Kinky Boots, Singin’ In The Rain and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
Internationally, Michael Cassel Group was the producer of Hamilton’s first ever international tour which included engagements in Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Manila; the international tour of Disney’s The Lion King including engagements in Taipei, Seoul, Busan and Bangkok; and Les Misérables throughout Asia.
Previously Michael Cassel Group was the co-lead producer of Almost Famous and co-producer of Into The Woods on Broadway. Other Broadway and West End credits include Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical, The Prince of Egypt, Pretty Woman and The Cher Show.
Concert tours and major events include The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Celeste Barber, Not Now, Not Ever: Live on Stage with Julia Gillard, Patti LuPone: A Life In Notes, Tina Arena, Darren Criss and Lea Salonga.
For television, Michael Cassel Group created and produced the new televised Christmas extravaganza A (Very) Musical Christmas which was televised nationally and produced its live event cast recording; the internationally opening celebration of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at ANZ Stadium.
In addition to the group’s expanding theatrical interests, the company represents former Australian Prime Minister, The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, journalist and broadcaster Liz Hayes, former Olympian and global sporting administrator Lord Sebastian Coe CH, KBE, Strictly You by Sonia Kruger, best-selling author Sarah di Lorenzo and beloved Australian television presenter Sami Lukis.
TixTrack Australasia, a partnership between TixTrack Inc and Michael Cassel Group, provides SaaS ticketing solutions for live entertainment and cultural organisations in Australia and New Zealand including the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Queensland Museum, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Auckland Art Gallery, Bundanon Art Museum and Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.
Michael Cassel Group is headquartered in Sydney, with offices in New York, Singapore, London and Melbourne.
Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures
Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, under the supervision of Executive Vice President & Managing Director Mark Kaufman, recently represented on Broadway and presently on first national tour by the Tony-nominated musical Beetlejuice.
Other Broadway includes the Tony Award-winning musical The Outsiders, and the Tony-nominated musical, The Notebook. Prior to that, the division produced the West End, Broadway, and first national tour of the Olivier-winning musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Broadway stage adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery, the Tony- winning The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the Tony- winning musical The Bridges of Madison County, and the Broadway holiday hit Elf.
Upcoming projects include TheTime Traveler’s Wife on the West End as well as musical versions of Dave, 17 Again, A Star is Born and a dramatic adaptation of Dog Day Afternoon by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Additionally, the division oversees the licensing of stage rights to Warner Bros vast media library including The Wizard of Oz, 42nd Street, Singin’ in the Rain, Summer Stock, The Wedding Singer, The Bodyguard, The Color Purple, A Christmas Story, and Hairspray.
About Proactiv Entertainment
Proactiv Entertainment is a global promoter and producer of large-scale shows, international exhibitions and music concerts. With headquarters in Barcelona, and offices in Madrid and Abu Dhabi, Proactiv Entertainment has more than thirty years of experience in the entertainment sector.
Our projects include internationally recognized shows such as Broadway’s The Lion King, Hamilton, Matilda, CHICAGO,Life of Pi, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Star Wars in Concert, Marvel Universe Live, Peppa Pig’s Adventure, Harlem Globetrotters, WWE, Monster Jam and successful exhibitions like FC Barcelona The Exhibition and Meet Vincent Van Gogh.
Moreover, Proactiv Entertainment also has a long tradition in music having collaborated with artists like Andrea Bocelli, Maluma or Enrique Iglesias. As the company grew, an international expansion began first in the Middle East, and later into North and South America and the rest of Europe, where we have organized and produced original shows for a wide variety of audiences.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
About Yas Island
Located on the golden shores of Abu Dhabi – just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai, Yas Island, offers holidaymakers a diverse mix of leisure and entertainment experiences. From award-
Winning theme parks such as Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi to incredible attractions such as the record-breaking CLYMB™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and the thrilling Yas Marina Circuit (home to the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX™), visitors are bound to discover a world of entertainment options all within the 25 sq. km island.
Yas Island boasts world-class shopping at Abu Dhabi’s largest mall Yas Mall, superb dining at Yas Bay Waterfront, Abu Dhabi’s vibrant day to night attraction and award-winning golf at Yas Links golf course. The island offers a year-round line-up of spectacular musical, entertainment and family events and houses ten incredible hotels, including W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, and The WB™ Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Warner Bros. themed hotel. With more than 165 dining experiences, the destination also features indoor and outdoor concert venues including WHITE Abu Dhabi and Etihad Arena – all of which are complemented by a range of visitor services that connect all attractions to one another.
With the recent opening of SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region’s first Marine Life Theme Park, Yas Island continues to add more attractions to its incredible roster.
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