A nice article about the show! It recounts the “ho-hum reviews and modest ticket sales” at the show’s original opening (something haters love to harp on) but then it talks about the show’s explosion in popularity via tiktok and how it encouraged and embraced its fans’ creativity (something haters refuse to acknowledge).
The fact that so many people have gotten into the fandom during lockdown and they’re being rewarded with the show returning is beautiful. Name another fandom that has constant resurgences like that. From the movie to the cartoon to the revue at Universal Studios to the musical to the musical again … Beetlejuice truly is the Ghost with the Most.
Alex getting that huge standing ovation with screaming, foot-stomping, sheer exuberancefrom that opening night audience–you’ve all seen it–almost made me cry with joy. And for those who still hate the show, still insist that “only Michael Keaton is Beetlejuice” (jesus fuck, do you say that about all roles that have ever been played by more than one actor?! That the first is the only?), I’d like to offer you this reminder:
I don’t get why this musical has haters, like, look, I’m a theatre nerd (recently but I went hard for it, yeah) and sure, I’ve seen lots of productions being criticised, but hating them??? I can only say that’s freaking ridiculous, and if you happen to hate it (not to not like it, that’s fine, but hate it) I automatically asume you’re what’s wrong in this world, there’s no point in between, nothing good comes from people like you , I said it.
“This line has a great significance in the show as Lydia is constantly questioning where she belongs and what home truly means. She is grieving the loss of her mother and in that grief feels incredibly isolated and alone. However, on her journey, she finds that there is love all around her and that family/home can be “a little unconventional.” This moment is her emotional release and as an actor I look forward to it each night. Lydia experiences a lot of pain throughout the show, and to let go of that huge weight is a beautiful thing. It makes me emotional each night—knowing that many can relate in some way. And to show that it is possible to come through the other side.” - Elizabeth Teeter
