Beetlejuice: The Ghost with the Most Brings the Chaos and Comedy to The National Theatre

A Faithful Adaptation That Still Feels Fresh

Adapting a beloved movie like Beetlejuice for the stage is no easy task. Tim Burton’s 1988 film has become a cult classic thanks to its unique visual style, strange sense of humor, and Michael Keaton’s unforgettable performance as the Ghost with the Most. Thankfully, the stage musical understands what made the movie special while creating something that works on its own.

The production of Beetlejuice is just as entertaining as the film. It captures the weirdness, comedy, and chaotic energy fans love while adding new musical moments and expanding certain characters in ways that make the story feel fresh.

The Music Brings the Movie’s Best Moments to Life

One of my favorite parts of the original film has always been the use of Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O” and “Jump in the Line.” Those songs are already iconic, so I was curious how they would translate to the stage. Luckily, both moments are just as fun and entertaining in the musical. The performances capture the same energy as the movie while adding the excitement and creativity that only live theater can provide.

I was also pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed “That Beautiful Sound.” The number features multiple versions of Beetlejuice taking over the stage, giving the ensemble a chance to really shine. While the ensemble does a great job throughout the entire production, this is the moment where they truly stand out.

The show also finds creative ways to recreate some of the movie’s most memorable moments. The famous shrimp dinner scene is brought to life with impressive stage effects, including the shrimp fingers pulling a dinner attendant’s face into the shrimp bowl. It is one of those moments where you wonder how they are going to make it work on stage—and somehow, they pull it off.

The Cast Makes This Production Come Alive

Ryan Stajmiger delivers a fun and energetic performance as Beetlejuice. Instead of trying to copy Michael Keaton’s version of the character, Stajmiger brings his own personality to the role. One of his biggest strengths is how well he breaks the fourth wall and involves the audience. His jokes, references, and interactions make you feel like you are part of the show instead of just watching it.

The humor in Beetlejuice is definitely not for everyone. The production includes plenty of jokes about current events, celebrities, and popular culture. Some audience members will find themselves laughing nonstop, while others may find certain jokes a little too sensitive.

David Wilson and Kaitlin Feely are perfectly awkward and hilarious as Adam and Barbara Maitland. Their chemistry is one of the highlights of the show, especially their playful banter with Beetlejuice. They capture the awkward sweetness of the characters while adding their own comedic timing.

Jeff Brooks brings more depth to Charles Deetz than we saw in the film. The musical gives him more personality, making him a much more interesting character than his movie counterpart.

However, one of the biggest surprises of the night is Bailey Frankenberg as Delia. Taking on a role made famous by Catherine O’Hara is a huge challenge, but Frankenberg makes the character her own. She embraces Delia’s strange energy and becomes one of the show’s biggest scene stealers.

The supporting cast also deserves recognition. Larry the Hunter, also known as the Shrunken Head Guy, brings plenty of laughs, while Miss Argentina delivers one of the show’s most entertaining musical moments.

The Set Design Creates a Burton-Inspired World

The production design is another highlight. The transitions between Adam and Barbara’s simple home and Charles’ trendy, remodeled house are creative and visually impressive. The set helps capture the strange, gothic world that fans expect from Beetlejuice while making it work within a live theater setting.

The Sandworm is another major surprise. Fans of the movie will be happy to know that the creature looks just as intimidating on stage. It is massive, interactive, and one of those moments that reminds you why seeing something performed live can be so special.

A Warning About the Lighting Effects

One thing audiences should know before attending is that there is a significant amount of flashing and strobe lighting throughout the production. If you are sensitive to those effects, you may want to keep that in mind before attending. There were a few moments where the lighting was intense enough that it became distracting for me.

Final Thoughts

Beetlejuice works because it understands that audiences aren’t just looking for a recreation of the movie. They want to experience the world again in a new way. The production delivers that with a talented cast, impressive stage effects, hilarious comedy, and musical numbers that bring the spirit of the original film back to life.

The Ghost with the Most is still bringing the chaos, and fans of the movie will have plenty to enjoy. While the production has a few moments that may not work for everyone—especially the heavy use of flashing lights and some of the edgier humor—it succeeds because of its performances, creative staging, and ability to capture the strange charm that made the original film a classic.

Overall, Beetlejuice is a fun and entertaining stage adaptation that delivers plenty of laughs, memorable performances, and impressive theatrical moments. It may not be perfect, but it successfully brings the spirit of the film to the stage and proves that the Ghost with the Most still knows how to put on a show. I give Beetlejuice 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Beetlejuice runs at The National Theatre through July 19. Buy tickets here.