Beetlejuice performance at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas

Beetlejuice | Texas Review | Ralph Arvesen

Beetlejuice performance at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas on February 6 - 11, 2024. (Photo: Matthew Murphy)

Tim Burton's 1988 film Beetlejuice, now a cult classic, inspired many fans to don Tim Burton-esque attire for the stage adaptation. Beetlejuice the Musical debuted on Broadway in 2019, receiving mixed reviews initially, but has since enjoyed a significant resurgence. The show made its Austin premiere on February 6, 2024, and runs at Bass Concert Hall until February 11th.

This theatrical take offers a unique spin on the familiar story. Unlike the film, which centered on the deceased couple, the musical adaptation, penned by Scott Brown and Anthony King, focuses on Lydia Deetz. The opening scene features Lydia mourning her mother's loss, only to be interrupted by the show's narrator, Beetlejuice. Played by Justin Collette, Beetlejuice's character caters to a modern audience with humor that incorporates political commentary, references to past trends, and contemporary sexual humor.

Texas Performing Arts
Texas Performing Arts offers a diverse season of music, theater, dance, and conversation, and during the past 35 years has presented such world-class artists as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Victor Borge, Nina Simone, Ornette Coleman, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Van Morrison, Philip Glass, Ella Fitzgerald, and The English National Opera. We are also the proud home of Broadway In Austin, and have presented the Austin premieres of Hamilton, The Lion King, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Cats, and The Phantom of the Opera. Until 2007, Bass Concert Hall was also home to Ballet Austin, the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and Austin Lyric Opera.

Over the years, Texas Performing Arts continued to grow and prosper through the remarkable support of our donors and sponsors. In addition to helping us renovate Bass Concert Hall in 2007, support from donors and sponsors underwrites our Campus and Community Engagement offerings and our Student Ticket Fund, which makes it possible for students of all ages to purchase $10 tickets to all of our performances.

As Texas Performing Arts prepares for the next 40 years, we aspire to expand our world-class programming and endeavor to strengthen the bond between the performing arts and our community, where everyone is invited to enjoy, participate, and learn.

Broadway Across America
Broadway Across America (BAA) reigns supreme as the market leader for live, touring theatre in North America. With a presence in 48 regional markets, BAA secures the leading position for presenting touring Broadway productions.

BAA's expertise encompasses various aspects of touring productions. They secure the performance venues, manage local event production, and handle ticket sales through various channels, including subscriptions, group bookings, eClub memberships, and single ticket purchases.

BAA's success stems from their extensive network. Their database boasts over 4 million ticket buyers across the United States and Canada, including a dedicated base of over 400,000 subscribers. This loyal audience fuels the continued success of their presenting business.

Fan reviews:

Great performance! The sets, the music, the acting, the lights, the vocals. Everything was amazing! We had a great time with this musical! The staff was also phenomenal!

It was amazing! Be aware that there are crude jokes (including adult jokes) and profanity throughout the performance. All of the singers did well and the story had a satisfying ending as well.

So good! Great production and I can’t say enough good things about the cast. So funny and visually well done. Highly recommend, you will have a good time.

Absolutely amazing. Oh my goodness, this was the absolute best! I’ve seen a lot of musicals, but this was by far my favorite! I purposely avoided watching any previews because I wanted to be surprised and boy was I!

Best show ever! This was my 11th time to see the show. Love everything about it.

Setlist for the show at the Bass Concert Hall

Prologue: Invisible
The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing
Ready, Set, Not Yet
The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing, Pt. 2
The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing, Pt. 3
Dead Mom
Fright of Their Lives
Ready Set, Not Yet
No Reason
Invisible” (reprise)/ On the Roof
Say My Name
Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)
Girl Scout
That Beautiful Sound
That Beautiful Sound (reprise)
Barbara 2.0
The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing, Pt. 4
Good Old Fashioned Wedding
What I Know Now
Home
Creepy Old Guy
Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora) / Dead Mom (reprise) / Home (reprise) / Day-O (reprise)

Beetlejuice performance at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas

Ralph Arvesen

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