“Beetlejuice” MILWAUKEE Reviewed by Amy Menzel

***** Broadway is back at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee! Beetlejuice has rolled into town with big voices and big laughs. Ghost stories have never been so fun – or so sassy.

If you (like me) somehow missed the cultural cornerstone that is Beetlejuice, here’s the gist: Beetlejuice is a ghost whose existence goes unseen. His only hope is to get someone to say his name three times. That will allow him to be seen, which we come to understand is meant both literally and figuratively.

Although there are some attempts to pull at heartstrings with a few ballads, this is generally a silly show – in a very good way. The set is as colorful, eccentric, and quirky as you’d expect from a Tim Burton-inspired production, the lighting is flashy and fanciful, and the costumes and puppetry add a whole lot of flair. You can actually see why this musical was nominated for 8 Tony Awards.

The musical numbers themselves are big and bold and require incredibly skilled performers. This cast is up for the challenge. Justin Collette kills it (pun intended) in the title role. Nevada Riley puts it all into every part of her role as Lydia. Megan McGinnis and Will Burton play my new favorite nerdy couple, and Jesse Sharp and Sarah Litzsinger expertly pull off portraying characters that are obnoxious-yet-intriguing.

Three cheers, too, to the ensemble! Energy knows no bounds in this show and they bring it throughout the production. My favorite parts of the show feature the entire cast. The opening number sets the tone for a fun-filled evening and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more entertaining or energetic start to a second act than “Girl Scout” and “That Beautiful Sound” in Beetlejuice.

I’m new to this Beetlejuice world, but consider me a fan already.

★★★★★

Beetlejuice plays at Uihlein Hall at the Marcus Performing Arts Center (Milwaukee) and runs through October 6.

Beetlejuice is 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission.

Wednesday, October 2 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 3 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 4 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 5 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 6 – 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Sign Language Interpretation – Saturday, October 5 at 2 p.m.

Tickets start at $51 (best pricing looks to be available for Thursday’s show) and can be purchased at MarcusCenter.org or Ticketmaster.com or by calling 414-273-7206 or visiting the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Milwaukee. Tickets are going fast!