With only a few weeks until Beetlejuice the Musical (Brizzyjuice in the words of performer Andy Karl) arrives at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Brisbane for the continuation of its Australian national tour, Michael Cassel Group has released all remaining tickets and performances for the strictly limited six-week season.
Based on the popular media franchise which spans film, cartoon and other pop culture instalments, the musical follows Lydia Deetz, an unconventional teenager focused on the concept of mortality. Her life changes when her new home is haunted by both a recently deceased couple and the titular striped demon. After Lydia recruits the titular ghost to terrify her parents, it unleashes a chaotic chain of events involving exorcisms, a frightened girl scout, and a journey into the netherworld.
The upcoming Australian season features Broadway performer Andy Karl (Groundhog Day the Musical) as Beetlejuice, Karis Oka returns as the gothic teenager Lydia Deetz, alongside Rob Johnson as Adam Maitland, Erin Clare as Delia Deetz, and Tom Wren as Charles Deetz. One last minute change is Jenni Little stepping into the role of Barbara Maitland, covering for original cast member Elise McCann while she takes parental leave. Little is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts and has established a diverse local career with performance credits in Titanique, The Lovers, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Jagged Little Pill, Falsettos, School of Rock, and Kinky Boots.
Reflecting on her casting, Little expressed her enthusiasm for bringing the character of Barbara to life and returning to perform at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre:
Joining Beetlejuice The Musical for Brisbane is an absolute dream. Barbara is such a beautifully funny and heartfelt character and getting to step into this wildly imaginative world alongside such an incredibly talented company is so exciting. The show is hilarious, and unexpectedly moving, and I know Brisbane will embrace the production. I also just LOVE Brisbane and can’t wait to be back in the beautiful Lyric Theatre at QPAC.
Ticketing information for the Brisbane season, in additional to upcoming Perth, Adelaide and Sydney legs of the national Australian tour of Beetlejuice the Musical can be found on the musical’s official website.
