Last night’s media night at The Stranahan Theater was a wild, high-energy ride through the afterlife with Beetlejuice: The Musical. Based on Tim Burton’s cult-classic film, this Broadway hit delivered a hilariously twisted take on the story of Lydia Deetz, a grief-stricken teen who finds herself entangled with a recently deceased couple and an over-the-top, fourth-wall-breaking troublemaker who thrives on chaos.
From the moment the curtains opened, the show was a sensory overload in the best way possible. Directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!), the production was packed with stunning visuals, jaw-dropping set designs, and special effects that transported the audience straight into the darkly comedic world of the Netherworld. The witty dialogue and rapid-fire jokes kept the crowd roaring with laughter, while the musical numbers—written by Tony Award nominee Eddie Perfect (King Kong)—ranged from big, Broadway-style showstoppers to surprisingly heartfelt ballads.
The scenic design, created by three-time Tony Award nominee David Korins (Hamilton), was nothing short of astonishing, seamlessly shifting between the Deetz family’s eerie home and the chaotic Netherworld. The costumes, designed by six-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long (The Producers), were a perfect blend of gothic, wacky, and nostalgic, bringing the film’s iconic characters to life in a fresh way. Add in lighting design by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner (Kinky Boots), projection design by Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen), and special effects by Jeremy Chernick (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and you have a visually spectacular production that’s as impressive as it is entertaining.
While Beetlejuice is undeniably fun, it leans heavily into its PG-13 (or maybe even PG-16) humor, with plenty of crude jokes, innuendos, and risqué moments that make it not a family-friendly pick. But for adult audiences and fans of dark humor, it’s an absolute blast. The cast brought incredible energy, with Beetlejuice himself stealing every scene with his outrageous antics and impeccable comedic timing. Meanwhile, Lydia’s storyline added depth, grounding the chaos with moments of genuine emotion.
Since its Broadway debut in 2019, Beetlejuice has built a massive fanbase, becoming a viral sensation thanks to its Tony Awards performance (which has racked up over 3.9 million views) and a surge of popularity on TikTok. Its triumphant Broadway return in 2022 at the Marquis Theatre only solidified its status as one of the top-grossing and most beloved musicals in recent years.
BEETLEJUICE is based on the 1988 Academy Award®-winning Geffen Company motion picture presented by Warner Bros. and directed by Tim Burton. The smash hit comedy starred Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder with story by Michael McDowell and Larry Wilson.
If you’re looking for a night of irreverent humor, wild theatrics, and catchy tunes, Beetlejuice is a must-see. But don’t wait too long—the show’s Toledo run is limited! Catch one of the remaining performances before it disappears back into the Netherworld:
📅 Remaining Shows at The Stranahan Theater:
▪️Thursday, February 27, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
▪️Friday, February 28, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
▪️Saturday, March 1, 2025 – 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
▪️Sunday, March 2, 2025 – 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to say his name three times and experience the madness for yourself!
For more information, visit www.BeetlejuiceBroadway.com. You can also follow along on social media:
📌 Facebook: BeetlejuiceBway
📌 TikTok, Twitter, & Instagram: @BeetlejuiceBway
🎟 Where to Buy Tickets: Be sure to get your tickets from the official sources—BroadwayInToledo.com, Etix.com, or the Stranahan Theater Box Office—to avoid third-party markups.
Don’t miss your chance to say his name three times and experience the madness for yourself!
Shana Was Here 