The ghost-with-the-most is back, this time with a cast of young performers from Scottsdale and other Valley cities  ready to raise the roof – and the dead – at Greasepaint Youtheatre in Scottsdale.

Running Oct. 17–26 at the historic Stagebrush Theatre, “Beetlejuice Jr.” is a hilarious, high-energy musical based on the 1988 Tim Burton cult-classic film and the Broadway sensation it inspired. 

Adapted for younger performers and family audiences, the youth production balances outrageous comedy and supernatural mischief with plenty of heart.

At the center of the chaos is Lydia Deetz, a teenager who’s recently lost her mother and is struggling to adjust to a new town, a new home and her father’s eccentric fiancée.

Lydia’s world gets even weirder when she discovers her new house is haunted by a sweetly neurotic couple – Adam and Barbara Maitland – and a mischievous demon named Beetlejuice.

Hoping to drive out the living grown-ups who complicate her world, Lydia teams up with Beetlejuice to unleash mayhem. But she quickly learns that getting rid of people is easy; letting them in is much harder.

“This show is frightfully funny, fast-paced and totally over-the-top—but it also has a strong message that resonates with kids and adults,” said Rachel McCabe, director of “Beetlejuice Jr.”

“This cast has embraced the weirdness and the message, and they’re having the time of their lives on that stage. It’s been a blast to bring this story to life with them.”

McCabe, who grew up in youth theater herself, said the rehearsal room still holds the same magic it did when she was a teen.

“Rehearsals were always my favorite place as a kid, and that feeling has never left me,” she said. “To witness these young artists not only grow as performers but also support one another behind the scenes is truly inspiring. Their dedication and spirit make every moment of bringing this production to life worthwhile.”

The high-octane performances are matched by choreography that’s just as bold.

“The choreo for ‘Beetlejuice Jr.’ is quirky and exciting,” said choreographer Janice Schweizer. “The audience will be completely entertained and will be dancing in their seats.”

Originally adapted for the stage in 2019, “Beetlejuice” became an instant hit with its bold visuals, offbeat humor and emotional honesty. The Broadway version earned eight Tony Award nominations including Best Musical and quickly gained cult status among teens and theater lovers thanks to its viral success on social media. 

“Beetlejuice Jr.” keeps the same anarchic spirit while making the story accessible for middle school and high school performers.

Behind the scenes, the production is led by a dynamic creative team. Joining McCabe and Schweizer are music director and stage manager Abe Newsum, each bringing their own flair to the spectacle.

The cast includes 24 youth performers from across the Valley, including Scottsdale thespians:

• Emily Brodie as Ensemble

• Taylor Hayden as Delia

• Laney Hoekstra as Ensemble

• Kendall Johnston as Ensemble

• McKenzie Lopezlira as Lydia Deetz

• Charlotte Mikalsky as Sky

• Wade Miller as Ensemble

• Michael Ranger as Adam Maitland

• Ella Silver as Ensemble

• Archie Vap-Fredson as Maxie

• Mateo Vap-Fredson as Ensemble

As part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion, Greasepaint is offering an ASL-interpreted performance at 7 p.m. Oct. 25.

 This performance is open to all audiences and designed to ensure accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members.

Greasepaint Theatre has been a cornerstone of Valley youth performance since 1984, producing high-quality, inclusive shows that provide young artists with meaningful opportunities to grow and perform. The theater is located at 7020 E. 2nd St. in Scottsdale.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the movie, a newcomer to the Netherworld or simply looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween season, “Beetlejuice Jr.” promises musical mayhem, outrageous performances and plenty of strange and unusual charm.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at greasepaint.org.  Additional show information, including the complete cast list and showtimes, is also  available at the website.