Beetlejuice at Van Wezel: A Wild, Wickedly Fun Ride Beyond the Grave
If the afterlife is anything like Beetlejuice the Musical, let’s make it a double feature.
The Tony-nominated Broadway hit recently haunted the stage of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and Sarasota may never be the same. In a raucous, riotous night of comedy, chaos, and Broadway-caliber theatrics, Beetlejuice delivered a supernatural spectacle that had the audience cackling, clapping, and—more often than not—cosplaying. Yes, the theater lobby looked like a Tim Burton-themed masquerade ball.
From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear this was no ordinary musical. Beetlejuice is a full-throttle, fourth-wall-breaking, ghoulishly good time that leans into its bizarre premise and never lets up. Based on the cult-classic 1988 film directed by Tim Burton, the stage adaptation adds depth, songs, and layers of absurdity while preserving the irreverent heart of the original. Think Rocky Horror meets The Book of Mormon, with a heavy dose of black eyeliner and afterlife angst.
A Show-Stopping Beetlejuice
The devilish charm of the show hinges on its title character, and the actor playing Beetlejuice did not disappoint. From the first line, he commanded the stage with a wild-eyed grin, unrelenting energy, and just the right amount of sleaze. Beetlejuice is a chaos agent, a life coach for the dead, and a goth vaudevillian all wrapped in a striped suit that looks like it was designed in a haunted Hot Topic. His performance was part stand-up comic, part demon-in-chief, and all showman.
He ad-libbed, he teased, he broke the fourth wall like it owed him money—and the audience loved it. Whether riffing on local Sarasota quirks or poking fun at politics (no one is safe), his improvisation added a thrilling unpredictability to the already electric show.
Costumes to Die For
Let’s talk fashion. The Beetlejuice costume department deserves a standing ovation of its own. Every character—from the newly dead Maitlands to the preppy-to-punky Deetz family—was styled to perfection. Lydia’s goth wardrobe, layered with lace, tulle, and teen angst, was both modern and true to the film. Beetlejuice’s iconic striped suit appeared in various glorious forms throughout the show, each more delightfully deranged than the last.
The ensemble, too, dazzled in undead chic, shifting between the living and the ghostly with quick-changes that seemed like actual magic. Highlights included the larger-than-life sandworm, an eyeball-covered suit for the Netherworld, and a jaw-dropping number where all of the furniture turned into puppets. It was Halloween meets Broadway—extravagant, eerie, and endlessly creative.
A Dressed-to-Impress Audience
One of the most delightful surprises of the night wasn’t just on stage—it was in the seats. The audience came dressed to kill. Fans showed up in full costume: Lydia lookalikes with dark veils and pale faces, Beetlejuice doppelgängers in striped suits and green wigs, even a few daring souls channeling Miss Argentina from the underworld waiting room (complete with blue body paint). It wasn’t just a night at the theater—it was an immersive experience.
The lobby became a photo booth, a fan fest, and a pre-show fashion show all in one. There was laughter, spontaneous group selfies, and strangers bonding over their shared love of the weird and wonderful. When theater creates this kind of community? That’s magic, baby.
More Than Just Laughs
Don’t let the irreverent humor fool you—Beetlejuice has heart. At its core, the show is a story about grief, acceptance, and learning to live fully—even when you’re technically dead. Lydia’s journey, from mourning teen to empowered heroine, gives the show emotional ballast. The final scenes are surprisingly moving, reminding us that even in a world of ghosts and gags, human connection is what makes it all worthwhile.
The songs—by Eddie Perfect—are catchy, clever, and occasionally touching. “Dead Mom” is a rock anthem of mourning and rage, while “Say My Name” is pure comedic genius. The finale, “Jump in the Line,” is a joyous, calypso-flavored explosion that brings the house down. If you’re not dancing in your seat by the end, check your pulse—you may already be a ghost.
Final Curtain Call
Beetlejuice at Van Wezel was more than a night out—it was a fever dream of fun, freakiness, and theatrical flair. With its bold design, brilliant performances, and subversive humor, it captivated the crowd and earned every decibel of the roaring standing ovation it received. The Van Wezel’s intimate setting only amplified the show’s energy—there wasn’t a bad seat in the house, and the audience was in it from beginning to end.
If you’re looking for a super fun, must-see event that’ll knock your striped socks off, Beetlejuice the Musical is it. This isn’t just a show—it’s a full-blown party with ghosts, gags, and a rockin’ afterlife vibe that’ll leave you grinning long after the curtain falls. It’s outrageous, over-the-top, and absolutely electric from start to finish. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the film or just in it for a night of unfiltered fun, this show brings the kind of big, bold energy that turns a regular evening into an unforgettable experience. Trust us—you don’t watch Beetlejuice, you live it.
If you missed it, we’re sorry for your loss. But if this ghostly musical ever returns from the grave and hits the road again, do yourself a favor: grab your black eyeliner, dust off your stripes, and get ready to laugh your mortal soul out.
Because in the world of Beetlejuice, death is just the beginning—and the show is to die for.
Playing through Sunday, April 27 – ticket link below.
