Beetlejuice the Musical at Hobby Center: Show Review

On March 5th, The Hobby Center presented Beetlejuice, a hilarious musical adaptation of one of Tim Burton’s classic hit movie of the same name. This new Broadway show tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an astonishing set, a phenomenal cast and music to die for, this show blew us straight out of the netherworld.

Soon after Lydia’s mother dies, the story begins as Lydia’s father decides to start their lives over in Connecticut. Around the same time, Adam and Barbara Maitland unfortunately find themselves in the afterlife where Beetlejuice, a demon who haunts the Maitland’s house. When Lydia’s father buys the late Maitland’s house, Lydia learns not only can she see ghosts, but they might possibly be able to help her bring her mother back to life.  However, Beetlejuice has another plan for the teenager. In order to escape his eternal torment, the demon must get a living human to say his name three times. Only then can the demon be resurrected.

The night started with a brief ballad by Lydia, portrayed by Isabella Ester, before being interrupted by the demon himself, Beetlejuice, portrayed by Justin Collette. The crowd cackled as the demon told joke after joke, giving the audience a peak as to what the night would bring. Beetlejuice repeatedly broke the fourth wall throughout the show, to deliver punchlines, make some sexual innuendo about the other characters or even break out into song. While the whole cast put on a  flawless performance, Collette commanded the attention of everyone in the room with his comedic timing and throaty growl. Although there are some differences, the show balances fun and exciting new elements with the nostalgia of the 80s hit.

The beautifully intricate set design embraced the chaotic energy of the Burton classic with lots of expressionistic angles, psychedelic color scheme and of course, tons of fun patterns. The set was completely changed with each new scene, transforming the old southern decorations the Maitland’s had established to the sleek modern design as the Deetz family moved in. The set was in constant motion with tons of costume changes, twirling patterns displayed over the set and curtains and even dancing skeletons and angry worms. The audience was truly enchanted by the alluring composition.

Make sure to catch the next Hobby Center showcase and Coog Radio’s other coverages of the Hobby Center’s spectacular line up this musical season.