Ask anyone from the millennial or older generations about Beetlejuice, and they’ll more than likely point to the 1988 film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton.
But for the roughly 50 or so young actors performing in Beetlejuice Jr., the first thought that comes to their mind is the 2018 Broadway musical adapted from the classic film.
The musical, which has since toured the United States, has exposed a whole new generation to the cultural phenomenon, one that has people superstitious about saying “Beetlejuice” three times in a row.
Beetlejuice Jr., presented by the Peppy Garner and Darnell Whitt School of Dramatic Arts at Pacific Repertory Theatre, runs at the Golden Bough Playhouse’s Founders Theatre in Carmel select days through May 17.
Grieving teen Lydia Deetz moves to a house haunted by a recently deceased couple and the demon Beetlejuice himself. Chaos ensues, with plenty of dark humor, true to the source material.
Director Palmer Davis says the actors, the youngest being in first grade, are all fans of theater, and are therefore many are familiar with the musical first and movie second.
What sets apart the local version of Beetlejuice Jr. from other performances of the material is the dancing and fast-paced nature of the show, Davis says. The performance also has three separate divisions of ensemble cast, giving more actors a chance to perform in significant roles.
“We’re raising the bar and challenging them, and they’re really rising to the challenge,” says Davis, who was the choreographer and director of PacRep’s Waitress, named the best local theater production of 2025 by Weekly readers.
Davis also praised the team, including music director Christiana Meeks and stage manager Cali Guisto.
“It’s a wild and fun evening out,” Davis says. “It goes beyond any expectations one would have for children’s theater. It really will excite even our veteran theater-goers. It has all the elements that a professional Golden Bough production is known for.”