Almost 40 years ago, Tim Burton directed a film that would become a cult classic, Beetlejuice.
In 2018, this iconic gothic tale saw its musical debut with Beetlejuice The Musical. The Musical. The Musical. premiering in Washington D.C. With music and lyrics by Australia’s own Eddie Perfect, and book by Scott Bowen and Anthony King, the 2019 Broadway production received 8 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. Now, in 2025, Beetlejuice has finally made its way to our shores, making its Australian premiere in Melbourne at the Regent Theatre, with Eddie Perfect in the titular role as Beetlejuice.
Directed by Alex Timbers with Australian associate director Jacinta John, Beetlejuice The Musical, much like the film, tells the story of Lydia Deetz (Karis Oka). After mourning the loss of her mother, Lydia and her father Charles Deetz (Adam Lyon), along with Lydia’s life coach/stepmother to be Deelia Deetz (Erin Clare), move into a new house. However, it is not any old house, this one is haunted by the recently deceased Barbara Maitland (Elise McCann) and her husband Adam Maitland (Rob Johnson)! The Maitland’s journey to the afterlife has been sabotaged by Beetlejuice (Eddie Perfect) and the disruptive demon hatches a plan to return to the land of the living. All someone has to do, is say his name three times…
Right from the start, I was impressed with the music and lyrics. The prologue, ‘Invisible’ performed by Karis Oka is audibly stunning and a heartfelt way to open a show. However, this is a dark comedy, and it isn’t long before the Regent Theatre is taken over by Beetlejuice. Performed by the show’s maker, Eddie Perfect, the fourth wall is instantly shattered when Perfect pauses to take in the rapturous applause that followed his appearance. His opening song ‘The Whole Being Dead Thing’ had me in stitches. Expertly written, hilariously self-aware and politically on point, right then and there I knew that Beetlejuice The Musical was going to be an absolute riot of fun.
Visually, Beetlejuice The Musical is exactly how I envisioned a stage production of the cult classic to be presented. The scenic design by David Korins really brings you into the world of Beetlejuice. But what I wasn’t expecting was the incredible use of lighting. Designed by Kenneth Posner, the scene is cleverly transformed between the land of the living and the dead, by switching from green to purple hues. Combined with projections by Peter Nigrini and special effects by Jeremy Chernick, Beetlejuice is easily one of the best visual productions I have seen in a long time.
William Ivey Long smashes it with the costume design that is only enhanced by the wonderful wigs by Charles G. Lapointe and great makeup by Joe Delude II. There is also an incredibly dedicated Australian team that assists in each of the creative departments that bring this show to life. However, one thing that I was not expecting were the puppets! Lead by Michael Curry, the puppetry in Beetlejuice The Musical is extraordinary. From the iconic Sandworm to the detailed and puppetry enhanced costuming, Curry brings a wow factor to the show that leaves Melbourne audiences gasping in awe.
Of course, whilst the creatives of Beetlejuice The Musical are all fantastic, the cast are just as phenomenal. Rob Johnson and Elise McCann are great together as the lovingly tame and awkward Adam and Barbara Maitland. Their opening number ‘Ready, Set, Not Yet’ wonderfully sets the tone for these two characters and is flawlessly executed by Johnson and McCann. The pair have such a delightful chemistry together, plus their voices are equally as impressive.
For this performance we had Adam Lyon step into the role of Charles Deetz. Lyon is endearing as Charles, a struggling single dad that just wants the best for his daughter, but at the same time, doesn’t really know what he’s doing. So much so that he has to enlist the help of a life coach, Delia, to help fill the void left by his late wife. Delia Schlimmer is portrayed by the awesome Erin Clare, who puts on an entertaining performance of the strangely hilarious character.
The full ensemble is just as great as the main cast, making for some fun and exciting side characters. None more so than in the second act when we make our way down into the Netherworld and are greeted by all the weird and wonderful people that each had their own untimely deaths. Just look out for the magnificent Angelique Cassimatis as Miss Argentina as she belts out a jaw dropping performance of ‘What I Know Now’.
Karis Oka is sublime as the young Lydia Deetz. Oka’s voice has a range that you don’t get to experience all that often. She has this wonderfully soft and emotionally vulnerable voice that really speaks to the fragile nature of her troubled character, Lydia. But Oka can also really lift the roof off with a power that seemingly comes from nowhere. Karis Oka is quintessential casting for Lydia Deetz, seemingly like the role was written for her all along.
Beetlejuice The Musical wouldn’t be complete without the titular character, and we are extremely honoured to have the man behind the Music and Lyrics in the role. Yes, Eddie Perfect himself slips into the black and white striped suit as the strange, unruly and incredibly eccentric, Beetlejuice. Perfect, unsurprisingly, is a natural in the role. His comedic timing is expertly executed, and he is hilariously playful with the audience as he breaks down the fourth wall, making for some seemingly off the cuff moments. Vocally, Eddie Perfect is, well, perfect as Beetlejuice (pun intended). He has that whimsical, purposefully raw tone that’s masterfully mixed with an impressive feisty rock style growl. You love the trouble he creates, want more of it, and every moment that he commands the stage is uplifting with his undeniable presence.
As for the show itself, Eddie Perfect has created such a superb reincarnation of the 1988 cult classic. An eclectic mix of music genres expertly and cleverly intertwined, creating a sense of chaos and harmony at the same time. Lyrically, Beetlejuice The Musical is outstanding. From the heartfelt ‘Dead Mom’ and ‘Home’ to the funny ‘The Whole Being Dead Thing’ that appears multiple times during the show, Eddie Perfect has written something truly spectacular. I feel honoured to not only experience this impressive Australian production, but to have Eddie Perfect perform it as well is incredibly special.
Oh, and don’t worry, the classic staples from the original film have been maintained in this production with ‘Day-O’ (complete with a hilarious possession scene) and ‘Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora)’ making a well-deserved appearance.
Proudly presented by Michael Cassel Group and Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Beetlejuice The Musical is fun, hilarious, visually impressive and a unique theatre experience. After all, it’s not everyday the brains behind the Music and Lyrics is also in the lead role! Everything about this production is a triumph and I am thankful that after almost 8 years, it has finally made its way to Australia with a premiere production exclusive to Melbourne.
Judging by the way everyone was excitedly and thoughtfully dressed up on the night that I attended (May 25th) in their Sunday best black and white stripes, red wedding dresses and other Beetlejuice inspired outfits, it is evident that Beetlejuice has found its home at the Regent Theatre.
However, all good things must eventually come to an end. With new tickets now on sale until the 31st of August, time is running out and saying “Beetlejuice” three times will not bring this musical masterpiece back once it’s gone.
For more information on Beetlejuice The Musical and ticketing, visit:
https://beetlejuicethemusical.com.au
Photography by Michelle Grace Hunder.
