Beetlejuice Brings Big Laughs, Big Heart and Beautiful Chaos to the Kravis Center.

June 2nd, 2026

Beetlejuice: The Musical brought its wild, strange and wonderfully unhinged energy to the Kravis Center stage on June 2, delivering a night that was as hilarious as it was unexpectedly touching.

From the opening moments, the audience was pulled into the world of Lydia Deetz, played by Leianna Weaver, whose strong and genuine performance gave the show its emotional heartbeat. Inspired by Tim Burton’s classic film, the musical transforms the familiar story into a full-blown visual feast, blending gothic flair, sharp humor and a score that keeps the chaos moving. The touring cast features Ryan Stajmiger as Beetlejuice and Weaver as Lydia, a pairing that gave the production both its madness and its soul.

Leianna Weaver (Lydia) and Ryan Stajmiger (Beetlejuice).

Walking into the theater felt a little like getting dropped straight into the Netherworld, minus the paperwork. A giant sandworm appeared on stage, sets shifted smoothly between scenes and the entire production buzzed with supernatural energy. One of the night’s early highlights came with “The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing”, as Beetlejuice made his big entrance and quickly had the crowd in his creepy little palm.

Stajmiger brought the right mix of playful comedy, oddball charm and just enough unpredictability to keep the audience wondering what he might do next. The laughs came often, especially during the quick jokes, perfectly timed reactions and clever fourth-wall breaks that made the show feel loose, alive and a little dangerous in the best possible way.

Yet for all its jokes, smoke and spooky spectacle, the emotional side of the production landed just as strongly. Weaver’s performance of “Dead Mom” was a clear standout, turning the large theater into something quiet and deeply personal. With Lydia alone in the spotlight, the moment cut through the noise and let the audience sit with her grief.

Weaver’s voice was powerful, but it was her honesty that made the number hit. Her Lydia was more than the sarcastic teen fans remember from the film. She became someone searching for connection, trying to make sense of loss and still figuring out where she belongs. Her relationship with the Maitlands added another thoughtful layer, giving the show’s themes of family, grief and chosen connection more weight than expected from a musical that also proudly features sandworms and demon nonsense.

David Wilson (Adam), Kaitlin Feely (Barbara) and Leianna Weaver (Lydia). Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2026

The second act pushed the spectacle even further, with eye-catching effects, creative dance numbers and some of the funniest moments of the night. “That Beautiful Sound” turned the stage into a quirky, spooky carnival, while the wild wedding scene near the end went all in on theatrical mayhem.

The costumes, lighting and special effects all worked together to create a world where anything could happen, and often did. What made the show click, though, was the balance. The production never let the big visuals swallow the personal moments. Even when the stage was bursting with movement, color and chaos, the heart of the story still found room to breathe.

By the time the cast reached the joyful finale, the crowd was fully locked in, cheering and rising for a well-earned standing ovation. Beetlejuice works because beneath all the wild humor, supernatural madness and wonderfully weird energy, it tells a story about grief, connection and learning to embrace life while you still have it.

The June 2 performance at the Kravis Center had everything fans could hope for: strong performances, inventive staging, sharp comedy and a proudly strange spirit that celebrates being different. For anyone looking for a night filled with laughs, heart and stage magic, Beetlejuice proves that saying its name three times is still one of Broadway’s best invitations.