A wide-shot, stage-performance photograph of the touring production of 'Beetlejuice.' From left to right, David Wilson as Adam and Kaitlin Feely as Barbara are seated on the left, looking toward the center. In the center, Leianna Weaver as Lydia stands wearing a black dress, and to their right, Ryan Stajmiger as Beetlejuice stands atop a dining table wearing their iconic striped suit, gesturing with both arms outstretched. The scene is illuminated in high-contrast blue and lime-green theatrical lighting, with atmospheric smoke filling the space of the stylized, dark-toned interior set.
(L-R): David Wilson (Adam), Kaitlin Feely (Barbara), Leianna Weaver (Lydia) and Ryan Stajmiger (Beetlejuice) Credit: Matthew Murphy / c/o Straz Center

It’s showtime.

Based on the 1988 Tim Burton film “Beetlejuice,” the musical of the same name comes back to Tampa this month.

The performance—opening at Straz Center next week—brings a different take to the original film.

Lydia Deetz, originally played by Winona Ryder, takes the lead in the production as she mourns the death of her mother. The character of Beetlejuice also takes a lead role in the production opposed to the film only giving 20 minutes of screen time for the character.

From the Straz Center blog they add, 

“Since Beetlejuice is one of those can’t-take-your-eyes-off-him characters, why not give him more room to repulse in the stage production?,” the Straz Center wrote.

Regional actors coming to Tampa with the production include Ryan Stajmiger as Beetlejuice and Leianna Weaver as Lydia Deetz.

Beetlejuice made its Broadway debut April 25, 2019 before the COVID19 pandemic put a stop to the tour in March, 2020. The musical made its return in April 2022 and toured for the next three years. 

In 2019, the musical was nominated for eight Tony Award nominations.

This is the second time the musical hits the center stage in Tampa since 2023.

Tickets to see “Beetlejuice” the musical inside Morsani Hall at David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa on select nights June 9-14 are still available and start at $37.

‘Beetlejuice’ the musical


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