Michael Cassel Group, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, and Langley Park Productions have confirmed that Karis Oka will take on the role of Lydia Deetz in the Melbourne production of the Beetlejuice musical. Performances are set to commence on 7 May at the Melbourne Regent Theatre. While as of writing, only the Melbourne season has been locked in, I’d envision that additional legs of a national tour will be announced in the future.
Oka has an sizable filmography and castings to her name, with her past on-stage roles covering the original Australian production of Six, the return season of Fangirls, and the Australian premiere of Ride the Cyclone. Her screen credits include appearances in SBS’s Erotic Stories, Girl at the Window, Stan’s Population: 11, and The Deb, where she starred opposite Rebel Wilson.
Director Alex Timbers shared his enthusiasm for Oka’s casting, noting her suitability for the iconic role:
Karis Oka is a rare talent who perfectly embodies the humour, vulnerability, and edge that make Lydia such an iconic character. Audiences in Melbourne are in for a real treat—her performance is nothing short of inspired, and I can’t wait for everyone to see her take on this unforgettable role.
Oka will star alongside Eddie Perfect, who is filling the shoes of the musical’s titular character, after writing the original music and lyrics for the musical’s original Broadway debut. Additional casting details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
For ticketing information, visit the official Beetlejuice the Musical Australian website.
