The ghost-with-the-most is back, this time with a cast of young performers from Scottsdale and other Valley cities\u00a0 ready to raise the roof \u2013 and the dead \u2013 at Greasepaint Youtheatre in Scottsdale.<\/p>\n
Running Oct. 17\u201326 at the historic Stagebrush Theatre, \u201cBeetlejuice Jr.\u201d is a hilarious, high-energy musical based on the 1988 Tim Burton cult-classic film and the Broadway sensation it inspired.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adapted for younger performers and family audiences, the youth production balances outrageous comedy and supernatural mischief with plenty of heart.<\/p>\n
At the center of the chaos is Lydia Deetz, a teenager who\u2019s recently lost her mother and is struggling to adjust to a new town, a new home and her father\u2019s eccentric fianc\u00e9e.<\/p>\n
Lydia\u2019s world gets even weirder when she discovers her new house is haunted by a sweetly neurotic couple \u2013 Adam and Barbara Maitland \u2013 and a mischievous demon named Beetlejuice.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis show is frightfully funny, fast-paced and totally over-the-top\u2014but it also has a strong message that resonates with kids and adults,\u201d said Rachel McCabe, director of \u201cBeetlejuice Jr.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis cast has embraced the weirdness and the message, and they\u2019re having the time of their lives on that stage. It\u2019s been a blast to bring this story to life with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
McCabe, who grew up in youth theater herself, said the rehearsal room still holds the same magic it did when she was a teen.<\/p>\n
\u201cRehearsals were always my favorite place as a kid, and that feeling has never left me,\u201d she said. \u201cTo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The high-octane performances are matched by choreography that\u2019s just as bold.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe choreo for \u2018Beetlejuice Jr.\u2019 is quirky and exciting,\u201d said choreographer Janice Schweizer. \u201cThe audience will be completely entertained and will be dancing in their seats.\u201d<\/p>\n
Originally adapted for the stage in 2019, \u201cBeetlejuice\u201d 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBeetlejuice Jr.\u201d keeps the same anarchic spirit while making the story accessible for middle school and high school performers.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The cast includes 24 youth performers from across the Valley, including Scottsdale thespians:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Emily Brodie as Ensemble<\/p>\n
\u2022 Taylor Hayden as Delia<\/p>\n
\u2022 Laney Hoekstra as Ensemble<\/p>\n
\u2022 Kendall Johnston as Ensemble<\/p>\n
\u2022 McKenzie Lopezlira as Lydia Deetz<\/p>\n
\u2022 Charlotte Mikalsky as Sky<\/p>\n
\u2022 Wade Miller as Ensemble<\/p>\n
\u2022 Michael Ranger as Adam Maitland<\/p>\n
\u2022 Ella Silver as Ensemble<\/p>\n
\u2022 Archie Vap-Fredson as Maxie<\/p>\n
\u2022 Mateo Vap-Fredson as Ensemble<\/p>\n
As part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion, Greasepaint is offering an ASL-interpreted performance at 7 p.m. Oct. 25.<\/p>\n
\u00a0This performance is open to all audiences and designed to ensure accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re a longtime fan of the movie, a newcomer to the Netherworld or simply looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween season, \u201cBeetlejuice Jr.\u201d promises musical mayhem, outrageous performances and plenty of strange and unusual charm.<\/p>\n