Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is regarded as one of the most original and best ‘80s movies for solid reasons. It was one of the beloved filmmaker’s first movies ever, it remains one of Michael Keaton’s most iconic roles and will inspire Halloween costumes probably until the end of time. From a filmmaking standpoint, the 1988 movie absolutely stands the test of time. I love its strange and unusual vision, from the beautiful use of practical makeup and special effects to its tone being simultaneously slapstick and very goth. It’s one of those movies that sticks with you, and definitely scared many as kids (including myself). So, you can imagine my surprise when the Beetlejuice musical actually surpassed the original film for me!
The Beetlejuice musical ran on Broadway from spring 2019 until the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all productions in early 2020. The show then reopened in spring 2022 before closing less than a year later and launching a U.S. tour, which is currently running into summer 2024. I had the chance to see it during its tour, at the Hollywood Pantages Theater, without ever listening to the music prior, mind you.
