Beetlejuice Jr.- Empress Theatre

 

Beetlejuice Jr. is a family-friendly, shortened, and adapted version of the Broadway musical, following strange teen Lydia Deetz as she moves into a haunted house, teams up with mischievous ghost Beetlejuice to scare the living (including her new stepfamily), and navigates grief and the afterlife with newly deceased ghosts Barbara and Adam Maitland. The music is by Eddie Perfect and the book is by Scott Brown and Anthony King. This show is based of the 1988 film directed by Tim Burton from a screenplay by Michael McDowell and Warren Skaaren based on a story by McDowell and Larry Wilson. 

Direction:

The director for this production was Scott Savage, with Cara Johnson as the assistant director. This duo made sure that the production was reminiscent to the film. They put together a production team that was able to make audiences relate it to the film it's based off of. Savage threw in some surprise effects that I didn't know could be possible at the Empress. The movement on stage was simple enough for the actors, but helped to progress the story. They helped the actors be able to deliver their lines in a comedic way, which helped the production to be entertaining to watch.

The choreographer was Brady Neilson. The choreography for "The Whole 'Being Dead Thing'" was fun and exciting to watch. "Day-o" was funny and well rehearsed. "That Beautiful Sound" was big and engaging. All songs used the stage well and made it so everyone was seen.

The music director was Amanda Robison. "Invisible" was clear and beautiful. "The Whole 'Being Dead Thing'" was fun, engaging, and the ensemble blended well. "Dead Mom" was my favorite number vocally because of how strong it was sung and the emotions it invoked in me as an audience member.  "Say My Name" vocals made the number exciting. "That Beautiful Sound" was hilarious and nice to listen to. "Home" was sweet and invoked a lot of emotion. Robison pulled out the best of all these actors vocally. There were times that I forgot that it was a Jr. version because of how strong some of the actors sang. 

Performances: 

Beetlejuice was played by Britain Heywood. Heywood commanded the stage from the moment he stepped on stage. He was delightfully loud and had a brilliant comedic timing. His character choice for his voice was similar to Michael Keaton's interpretation of the character. 

(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)

Lydia Deetz was played by Gweny Adams. Adams was easily my favorite of the night. She made me cry when she sang "Invisible," "Dead Mom," and "Home." With her voice, she could easily play this roll for the non Jr. version of this show. Her character choices were strong and made you feel for Lydia. The chemistry between her and Heywood was fun to watch. 

(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)

Adam Maitland was played by Donnie Hankammer. Hankammer's character was well defined. His vocals were strong. His movement on stage was clear and fun to watch.

(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)

Delia Schlimmer was played by Alice Lopez. Lopez has grown so much in the past year with her acting and vocal abilities. She played Delia super happy and kind of cooky. Her vocals were nice to listen to. Lopez's character choice to the proposal was funny.

(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)

Miss Argentina was played by Alizette Rivas. Rivas had a small roll, but was a stand out because of her vocals. "What I Know Now" was strong because of her character choices and her vocals.

Sky was played by Shae Christensen. She had a small part in the show, but was a stand out. Christensen made Sky delightfully adorable. Her song was fun to listen to.

Design:

The set was designed by Natalie Savage. The set was simple and complex at the same time. The floor was checkered in a trapezoidal pattern. The floor had a delightful surprise when certain lights hit it. On the wall when you come in was a jagged spiral pattern. The revolving doors had a similar jagged spiral on one side. On the other side it had a simple bookshelf painted on it. On the proscenium in had a metal fence that went across the top. The set added to the show, and didn't distract in any way.

The costumer for the show was Lydia Curtis. Curtis made sure the costumes were reminiscent of the film Beetlejuice. Some of my favorite costumes were the main costume for Beetlejuice, Lydia, Delia, and the Lydia wedding dress. What I loved about Curtis's choices was that she didn't skimp out on the ensembles costumes. All of their costumes fit into the realm of the show, and looked good on stage. Some of my favorites were the ones used in "Say My Name," "The Whole Being Dead Thing," and the costumes for the afterlife.

The prop master for the show was Eden Black. Most of the props were simple, but effective. They fit with the realm of the show and enhanced the production. I specially enjoyed the Handbook for the Recently Deceased and the unicorn statue. 

The lighting designer for the show was Chris Peck. The lights for this production were the most impressed I've ever been with lighting at the Empress. There were so many lighting effects that were thrown in that enhanced the production. The color scheme of lights were thoughtful and helped progress the story.

The makeup designer for the show was Michelle Collard. All the actors on the stage looked purposeful and they fit within what the story required of them. There were times that the actors needed to do quick makeup changes, but Collard's design made them look effortless. The design of makeup for the actors in the afterlife stood out under the lighting effects and added to the production in a positive way.

Final Impressions:

Being one where the Empress is just around the corner from my house, I love to go see shows there. This was my first time seeing any stage version of Beetlejuice. I had to remind myself multiple times that this was a Jr. production because of how impressed I was with some of the actors. This show is one that is safe for family members of ALL ages to go see.  Maybe one of these days I'll meet you at the Empress!

Tickets

(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)