Review: 'Beetlejuice' is hilarious with a big heart

“Beetlejuice,” the musical playing through Sunday at Kravis Center, is an uproariously hilarious show with a surprisingly big heart.

Unlike other movies adapted into stage musicals, “Beetlejuice” is not a carbon copy of the successful 1988 film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton in the titular role. Instead, the musical retains characters and elements from the movie but shifts the focus of the plot, a move that gives the show more depth.

The show opens at the funeral of Emily Deetz, who is mourned by her devastated daughter, Lydia, (Isabella Esler). Beetlejuice, (Justin Collette), soon appears, establishing himself as not only a central character but also the narrator, and addresses the audience with the clever and funny song, “The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing.” Beetlejuice wants desperately to be part of the living world.

Enter Adam and Barbara Maitland, (Abe Goldfarb and Megan McGinnis) a happily married couple who soon die by electrocution because of the faulty wiring in their house. When Lydia, her father Charles, (Jessie Sharp) and his future fiancée Delia (Sarah Litzsinger) move into the Maitland’s house, Beetlejuice tries to teach Adam and Barbara to scare them away. But Lydia can see Barbara and Adam and befriends them. Later, in a desperate moment, Lydia meets Beetlejuice, who is thrilled that a living person can see him. Lydia teams with Adam and Barbara to scare her dad Delia from the house, but ultimately summons Beetlejuice to get the job done.

Unlike the film, the focus is on Lydia, who is torn apart by her mom’s death, and Beetlejuice, who longs for a friend and to be seen by the world. These are good changes, as they give the audience something concrete to relate to. They also elevate the show, because so much more is at stake. Some iconic moments from the movie remain, including the Harry Belafonte songs, the deadly sandworm, and the trip to the netherworld. But much has been added, including a bevy of Beetlejuice clones in the second act opener, “That Beautiful Sound,” one of the most eye-popping, hilarious scenes in the show.

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David Korins’ darkly whimsical, off kilter, scenic design and Kenneth Posner’s deliberately chaotic lighting design, are two of the stars of the musical. Peter Hylenski’s dynamic sound and Peter Nigrini’s quirky projection design add to the funny, spooky vibes. Sometimes all the tech elements, the songs, and the cast adds up to a lot of sensory overload, but in a good, theme-park kind of way,

Collette is a whirling dervish of hilarity as Beetlejuice, Esler’s portrayal of goth teen Lydia is rich and textured. Goldfarb is appropriately milquetoast as Adam, although he summons some gumption in the second act. McGinnis, as Barbara, is perfectly paired with Goldfarb. Sharp is terrific as Charles, especially in his tear-jerking scene with Lydia when they reconcile and sing “Home.” Litzsinger is a joy as spacey Delia.

“Beetlejuice” is like the stage version of a roller coaster. Go, hang on, and enjoy the ride.

IF YOU GO

“Beetlejuice” runs through Sunday, at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For tickets and information, call 561-832-7469 or visit KravisCenter.org

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Review: “Beetlejuice” is like stage version of a roller coaster