Smash-hit musical Beetlejuice will make its Australian premiere at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in April 2025, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today joined the show’s composer and lyricist, Eddie Perfect, alongside producer Michael Cassel to announce the new production for Australia’s theatre capital.
Based on Tim Burton’s quirky 1988 film Beetlejuice, the musical adaptation is directed by Alex Timbers of Moulin Rouge! The Musical acclaimwith music and lyrics by Melbourne’s own Eddie Perfect.
Beetlejuice tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a teenager whose life changes when her family moves into a house haunted by a deceased couple and a demon with a liking for stripes. Lydia calls on this ghost-with-the-most to scare away her insufferable parents and, in the process, unleashes a whole world of pandemonium.
Melbourne will be the first Australian city to stage the production following its successful run on Broadway from 2019 to 2023 which saw it nominated for eight Tony Awards including ‘Best New Musical’.
With its gothic charm, hilarious script and stunning soundtrack, Beetlejuice is a beloved hit among fans and has generated a cult-like following for the show’s Broadway run.
Major theatrical productions attract visitors to Melbourne and deliver significant economic benefits to the state – creating jobs, supporting local businesses and contributing to the city’s bustling culture.
Beetlejuice joins an archive of hit productions to premiere in Melbourne in recent years including & Juliet, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Come From Away.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“Along with other global exclusives and Australian premieres such as & Juliet and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Beetlejuice further cements our place as the theatre capital of Australia.”
“We bring international shows to Victoria because they support local jobs and deliver big benefits to our economy.”
Quotes attributable to Michael Cassel Group CEO and Producer Michael Cassel
““This wickedly funny show is at the top of so many Aussie music theatre fan’s wish list to play here and we are delighted to partner with our friends at Visit Victoria to bring it to its natural home – the Regent Theatre – just a few kilometres up the road from where Eddie wrote the incredible soundtrack.”
“The fan support for Beetlejuice resonated around the world and we can’t wait to see how fans respond to it here.”
Reviewed 14 August 2023