What Happened at Beetlejuice's Reopening!?

The ghost with the most is officially back on Broadway. Here's a recap and review of a night we never thought we'd see.
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[@stellaluna92]

Apparently back before they closed, Alex swapped Brigadoon for Music Man, then the producers pulled him aside and sternly warned him not to do it again. Alex mentioned it in an interview somewhere but I can find it now.

[@Hannah-cj3hv]

I was at the show this weekend and Alex actually did say “fuck the music man”. I was so caught off guard! I thought he wasn’t allowed to do that. I’m wondering what changed??

[@nickthedreamer4434]

@@Hannah-cj3hv I think it was because, originally, Music Man was supposed to replace Beetlejuice at the same theater and they didn't want people to react harshly to Music Man once that happened. Now, at a time where both Beetlejuice and Music Man have been running simultaneously for a while now at two different locations, I think Alex is now allowed more freedom to what he can say (especially since it's part of his character to break the fourth wall anyway so why restrain him anymore?)

[@greysonalex]

@@Hannah-cj3hv he really wasn't supposed to do it, but it also didn't do much damage since he waited to make sure it was a crowd of true fans (his words not mine) and he only made the one joke. so he got a slap on the wrist and a "don't do that again" but no harm was done.

[@FatFiber8096]

I heard an audio clip of it and people absolutely ate it up

[@djtimo]

Beetlejuice the musical is one of the best experiences I've had on broadway. The show was so incredibly made, every detail in the set design and technical stuff (I saw it when it was still at the WG) was just so perfect for the show. Every actor killed it. Not only that, though, because at the stage door I met Alex Brightman who, when I said "It was a great show", he said "It was a great audience". The entire cast is so clearly in love with the show, to the point where most of the main characters came back for more. It's incredible to see that it's back in a new space, and I can't wait to see where Brightman goes next if he moves on at all

[@TrapperSnapper02]

@DJ Timo: I don’t know if this will ever happen, but if the first Kung Fu Panda gets adapted into a musical on Broadway, I think Alex Brightman would make a great Po! Though I’ve never seen School of Rock the Musical, I heard that he played the role of Dewey Finn really well. So I think him playing another Jack Black character would really suit him well, especially one that’s a dorky, kung fu fanboy. Plus, Alex Brightman has such a loveable personality that I think he’s perfectly suited to play a panda. Lol. And man, can you imagine hearing him sing Kung Fu Fighting? It would absolutely kick ass!

[@DavidSmith-gb8ev]

I do know he sung in the cast recording for Goosebumps the musical: Phantom of the auditorium

[@muppo]

This both warms and breaks heart. Beetlejuice got me through the roughest time, literally. "What I know now" genuinely got me out of the hospital. If I had the money, damn. If I had the money.

[@azrielwest2810]

So glad you're out of the hospital! I agree, it's hard to not be able to go see it in person, but I hope you're doing well!

[@faerisoul]

We can only hope for a pro shot!

[@ameliasaad2269]

Same here. Literally saved my life. I happily went into debt for this show😅

[@KaelWrit]

hope you at least have got to see a good slime tutorial or could see a tour

[@mockingjay458]

Beetlejuice coming back from the dead and proving traditional Broadway wrong is just so poetic, it's the perfect show to do it. I feel like it's becoming a Rocky Horror for a younger audience, with the same chaotic show energy. I hope it stays undead for a long, long time.

[@azrielwest2810]

I think this really represents what everyone is going through. People feel like they are coming back from the dead because of covid, and seeing something we love succeed in finding new life, finding it's joy and breath again, and doing it without harping on what killed it! Being so happy to come back without hating on another musical, because all the negative parts of our lives are already overwhelming, why not just enjoy the moment instead of of letting that negativity creep in. This musical helped so many of us get through some of the worst recent times of our lives and to see it thrive is just really amazing and emotional. I'm so happy for the cast, for all of us fans, for musical theater as a whole. Music has always been a connecting force, and musical theater has been an escape for so many, and now it's reaching more and more people and that's just fantastic. I have had the worst week, my dog died and I'm just miserable. Watching this really gave me hope and a little relief. I agree that it feels like a little of the before times, and man we all needed it. sorry for the ramblings, thanks Brendon for all you do to bring us these videos. Your channel has been a huge source of comfort and its so infectious (maybe a bad word to use as of late) to see you so happy.

[@ms.marvelous8156]

When I heard Beetlejuice was becoming a musical, I had my usual “another movie musical huh?” reaction because some shows don’t do it right. The main thing that softened me towards the show was Alex Brightman’s inclusion in the show because I knew him from School of Rock and immediately adored his energy, so my initial thoughts turned to “wait this could work?” Then when I looked more into the show and heard the music, it just resonated with me more and more. Currently, I’m in the process of getting my mom to go with me to the tour show but she’s more of a classics fan than an alternative musical fan.

[@kelseighingram]

I’m so glad Beetlejuice has had such an impact on Gen Z and lead so many younger folks to loving theatre.

[@aWritingSparrow]

As a kid that never really liked the movie, this musical was like a gateway to a world of strangeness and weirdness that I'd never really experienced before. In the best way possible. I dont generally as a whole enjoy when they take movies and turn them into musicals without a purpose, but this one felt like it had a purpose. All in all it's one of my favorites!

[@tawdryhepburn4686]

I grew up loving Beetlejuice. It was a formative text for me as a child. But honestly… the musical is vastly, _vastly_ *VASTLY* superior. The narrative is cleaner. The characters are more well rounded. Lydia is more than a cardboard cutout. And if you’re a fan of the original, the way that the lyrics and book remix the elements of the film that have permeated into pop culture, using the somewhat random ephemera to build a deeply moving thematic core is just… stupefying. One of the greatest trans-medium adaptations I have ever encountered.

[@khgrl12]

If you enjoy the zaniness of their dynamic honestly I suggest to anyone the cartoon show. Random fun; less creep factor.

[@KaelWrit]

it's definitely very different in many ways from the movie in a way that I could see some people preferring one or the other

[@TheRealSullyG]

Revisiting these opening night videos a week later just to relive the experience. What an unforgettable show!

[@cmatt-kj7bw]

Hi sully!!

[@171QA]

Your joy at seeing a musical live (again) is infectious. I would LOVE to see Six on Broadway.

[@goblinlibrary280]

I got emotional listening to you describe the crowd’s reaction to Alex. You can tell everyone who works on that show puts their whole heart into it. They deserved a fantastic resurrection.

[@blah7983]

If you haven’t already there’s an official video of The Whole Being Dead Thing from the reopening night

[@devinelliott9866]

I so agree with your sentiment about re-openings. I was at the Hadestown re-opening and the energy was like nothing else I've experienced.

[@IWillBeHers]

I’m glad it’s back! Like the man himself says, “death just needs a little conversation”. I’m planning on catching the first national next spring, and I’m interested to see what changes are made.

[@chronicallycorvid6766]

Beetlejuice is a show with so much heart, soul and passion and it fills my dead little heart with so much joy. I’m honoured to have made it on the fan mural because I’ll never be able to see the show (being in Ireland) but I’m so glad the show came back, everyone deserves it. They have so much love for this musical and it shows so, so much Also, on the ‘music man’ thing- When the announcement first came out Alex did actually swap ‘Brigadoon’ with ‘Music Man’ and the crowd went wild but he got pulled by higher-ups when he got offstage and was warned not to do it again lmao- So that’s probably why it didn’t crop back up here

[@joshuaklein8465]

I’ve never seen Beetlejuice the musical live, I’ve listened to the album and I’ve seen a *cough* “slime tutorial” and while I think the score is very inconsistent, I can see why people love it, the tutorial was very easy to get through and the book is a lot of fun. Not to mention Alex Brightman being a god in Beetlejuice clothing so while it’s not my favourite show on the street, I’d still see it in a heart beat (if only I lived in New York)

[@palomabakker2017]

lol before they closed, Alex did a performance where he said "fuck Music Man" without telling anyone he was gonna do it and got in a little trouble for it. That's why they don't mention MM at all.

[@issac9]

Last night’s show was absolutely amazing and it was so crazy that I got to meet you! One of the most memorable moments for me when I saw it at the Winter Garden, on the 27th of November 2019, was: “Hey folks! Began your pardon, welcome to the Winter Garden!” Though it is one of the opening ones, I was most excited for this line. “Hey folks, ain’t it pretty? Guess who’s back in New York City!” did not disappoint at all. I am so glad I got to see this show after the amazing resurrection story and would continue to recommend it for everyone. Happy reopening Beetlejuice!

[@PatrickKCompton]

Can't wait to see this again!! Beetlejuice The Musical is a combination of a rock concert light show, a haunted fun house, a magic show, a Broadway show, a Halloween costume contest, amazing fan art, and the Banana Boat Song! It's a musical party we all love. I still have plenty of post-show streamers with my Playbills. So jump in the line, and go join the fun! Day-O 💀

[@MarcStouferIII]

The show is one of the most inventive, creative, original, moving shows that i've ever heard of- I haven't gotten to see it yet (someday, someday), but I'm so beyond excited that it's gotten this chance to come back. They deserved better than what they got in 2019 and this reception will hopefully show everyone exactly how special this show is to so many people. Because it's just so good.

[@evandalton8541]

I saw their second performance in DC and I knew that night this musical was a new era for Broadway. The energy. The various musical styles. The comedy. I knew it'd be big and so happy it's getting the love it deserves!

[@zoerosiee]

Thank you for documenting the re-opening. So excited that you were able to experience it! The energy sounds incredible. I love that they took the high road and didn't take an easy (deserved, even) jab at The Music Man. MM doesn't need the lip service, the night is all about Beetlejuice. It's like the episode of Mad Men when Ginsberg says to Don, "I feel bad for you," and Don says "I don't think about you at all."

[@greysonalex]

i will say, alex brightman took ONE jab at musicman during the brigadoon line, but he didn't actually mean anything malicious by it and he only did it the one show because he got a slap on the wrist afterwards haha. he mentioned in an interview he did a bit ago.

[@mattb636]

I have been following beetlejuice ever since it was first announced that it was In production and getting ready for its out of town tryout, and ever since then I have been submerged in the world they created. By the time I was on my first trip in New York, I had been following the show for around one and a half years and could not be more thrilled to see it in person. After being transported into the netherworld at the winter garden, I was on the verge of tears because of the fact that i have been following the show for so long, had been a fan of the movie since the first watch, and now I am watching the musical right in front of my eyes with a few of my Broadway idols in almost reaching distance. After the show, I was able to stagedoor and hand out some of the fan art I had made for each person in the cast. With each and everyone that I handed the art to, saying the most kind and sweetest compliments on my (honestly rushed) artwork. After my trip to NYC, only two months later was when they announced that they would be closing at the winter garden. It rendered me speechless. I had never been in such a depressive state for so long, with the pandemic helping very little in that department. Beetlejuice has been my life since 2018 or so. Beetlejuice has played a huge role in my teenage-hood and is the reason I am so open with my parents now. This show has given me something that the rest of humanity hasn’t: Hope and Happiness. This show is the reason I don’t hide my love for theater anymore and why I had friends from across the globe during the pandemic. So in conclusion, Hugh Jackman can suck it and May Beetlejuice run till the end of time (or just maybe longer than Wicked, idk).

[@iammrcheeseballproductions86]

I wish I could see it live, or they would release it on BroadwayHD or a DVD, as this is one of my favorite musicals of one of my favorite movies. This beat out Evil Dead the musical which was my previous favorite.

[@MortalHuman]

I can't believe this is closing again. I just saw this last week and this is literally the best show I've seen on Broadway since Phantom many years ago. Gave me a similar feeling. Just visually stunning and incredibly funny and its really a shame it's closing in January. This show should be packed. Only if people realized how great it is.

[@Greycatuk]

I so wish this came to the West End in some way. It looks amazing - and we still get the Beetlejuice striped clothes over here around Halloween too! I’m absolutely cheering this on from across the ocean. You fans do indeed rock.

[@Paulaxsongz]

I'm not from the US and love musical theatre so when I had the chance to go to NY I asked a friend of mine that was a really big fan like me who lived in NY and she told me to go watch Beelejuice. I hadn't grown with the movie, so I didn't know the premise (I knew about it and that it involved ghosts and that's it) so when I went to see it I was totally blown away, the sets were magnificent, the songs so great and fun and Alex Brightman totally stole my heart (as well as Sophia Anne Caruso). I went when they were selling signed playbook bills for charity so now I have a singed beetlejuice program at home :) All in all a fantastic and fun experiene all around! 😄

[@VampFaye]

I'm so excited (and a bit jealous) that you got to go to opening night! We saw Beetlejuice in January 2020. It was super! I'm so happy that it's back and can't wait for the tour next year. I love that it's making a comeback. Covid did the show a favor, as iI think it would have faded away. Hugs 💜💜💜

[@plutomaxwell]

Your channel makes me feel connected ti a world I thought I was never going to be able to🖤

[@Anynom]

They just posted the opening number of the first show back, the audience reaction is fantastic.

[@g.u.959]

I was incredibly lucky to see Beetlejuice in mid 2019 on a trip to NY for my senior year of high school. It was easily the highlight of the trip, the last show of five we saw out there. I wasn’t aware of the tumult behind the scenes with the organization, all I knew was I was infatuated with the show. Then I learn about the stoppage clause. And I’m trying to organize a way to get to NY with family to see it again before it closes, in a vain attempt to escape the Midwest. Then March 2020 hit. And throughout all the heart wrenching news of Broadway closing, nothing stung more than knowing this show that was finally clawing its way out of the underworld, so to speak, got the door slammed right as it was about to fully open. Another casualty of the pandemic, I thought to myself. Another spark on Broadway snuffed out too soon. I can’t accurately describe the feeling I felt when I heard the news that they’d be coming back. It seemed unreal, and yet all too obvious, right? The show about death, coming back from the brink itself… there’s a metaphor in there somewhere. The amount of emotion from your video about Hadestown’s return was… on another level. I hope I still get to go back out to NY and see it someday. Beetlejuice, to me, is more than just a show. I think it’ll go down as one of the most honest and true stories of perseverance and having a smile throughout it all. Apologies for the wall of text. Just… really glad I found this channel.

[@Movidude74]

I got so choked up so many times last night and not just when it should be expected. Also, it was great meeting you outside before the show.

[@stapogna3312]

I normally get emotional at most musicals, but I did not expect to start crying at the end of Beetlejuice when I saw it all the way back in JUNE 2019(!!!), which feels like ages ago, but my love for this show has only gotten stronger. The profound sense of family and belonging that I felt from the videos of the cast I watched during quarantine really truly helped me get through that time, and the sheer joy and hilarity of this show are unrivaled. When I got home from seeing the show, I wrote down an entire page of the little moments in the show that I never wanted to forget, and I still look back at that list all the time. The resurrection of Beetlejuice is very timely with the end of quarantine and being able to laugh and cry with an audience full of people is one of the most special shared experiences that people can have, all brought together around some killer music, an amazing cast, and the chaotic death that is Beetlejuice and this show.

[@missybarbour6885]

A resurrection is truly the most in character thing for this show! I'm just incredibly excited that I now have the opportunity to see it. I discovered this show just before the closure was announced and I was really disappointed because I was sure I'd never get that chance. I lost my dad when I was in high school, and in between the Broadway bops and the magic tricks, this show genuinely says some real stuff about loosing a parent when you're a teenager that I'd never heard anybody else say before. "Invisible" is a slept on song from the show, but it means so much to me. Along with "Dead Mom" of course! I'm getting tickets for next month and I couldn't be more excited.

[@calet.wallace4115]

Hey Waiting in the Wings!! Could you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do a historical analysis of the Addams Family (musical). I feel it’s one that doesn’t get enough love that it deserves! Loved this vid btw!

[@cherie..cherry]

Omg yes!!! I’m in this musical currently, and it is so exciting. Probably one of my favourite (and most challenging vocal wise) shows I’ve done! Underrated for sure

[@ComputerGeek1100]

It would be so interesting to dive into how much this show changed from Chicago to broadway and then to the US tour/licensing. There were so many rewrites

[@cherie..cherry]

@@ComputerGeek1100 thisss!! Even listening to the OST to other theatre to looking at my own liberato there are so many differences it’s crazy

[@jazzy_theprayingmama]

Yaaaassss!!! This!!!

[@CaptainAtria]

I was at the show on Aprill 11th (FOR MY FREAKIN BIRTHDAY, LIKE WHAT???) and the energy you described on opening night is EXACTLY what I experienced with my crowd. I found the show online and fell in love, and I think the rest of my audience did too because they were all losing their minds when Alex popped up beneath the newspaper

[@JacobGers-lr9kl]

i love that show not only for its inventive style, genius sets, and toe-tapping musical numbers. there’s a community attached to it. i’ve been social media stalking the show all day, and i’ve seen the cosplay and the new tiktoks. it doesn’t really matter who you are when you don those black and white stripes. all of your issues kind of melt away when you turn into a perverted bio-exorcist. that’s my experience with the show, and i’m sure that others can relate. beetlejuice isn’t one of the things that should “work” but it does. i’ve been waiting for this day since march 12, 2020 and there isn’t a price that i wouldn’t pay to have been in that room. if i wasn’t a broke high school student then I’d be there. god, i love that show. (also, props to the team for keeping their ethics on not calling out music man. that’s a sign of integrity)

[@KittyMeow1984]

I wouldn't say it's my most favorite musical ever (that spot belongs forever and always to "In The Heights" due to both my Latin roots and my irrational love for anything Lin-Manuel Miranda), but it definitely is my most favorite musical in the "Musicals That Should Have Been Terrible But Somehow Weren't?" category.

[@cherie..cherry]

It’s not my favourite musical song wise, but it is absolutely my favourite show in terms of acting, characterisation, and set design. The songs undoubtedly are great- they just are not my personal preference.

[@brevin630]

I discovered Beetlejuice the Musical from your channel, and I fell in love with it from the first line of "The Whole Being Dead Thing". I've unfortunately never gotten the chance to see the show in person, but I would absolutely love to see it. I even showed it to my mom, who loved the songs as well.

[@paulchavez3039]

The concert feel that u describe is what I appreciate most about broadway shows these days. Not all of them are like that but when they are it makes me so proud to be a part of the happening. That’s what a show should be, a happening, a phenomenon:) musicals like this and Matilda keep hope in my heart for the future of musical theatre. Love ya buddy!

[@wiiink]

I'm so glad it came back, I haven't had the opportunity to see it in person but I found out about the musical during my first job tidying the art department at my school and would listen to the soundtrack constantly while working. It's something I wish I could show to more people but it's hard to show an entire soundtrack to someone

[@hannah_kincaid]

I love this musical especially “Barbara 2.0” which means so much more to me now. Especially after these past two years. I’m not the same person I was, heck I don’t think any of us are. These events have made people show their true colors, good or bad, but I wouldn’t want to go back to the way things were.

[@Infamous-K]

Your joy is so infectious. I'm so thrilled you had such a great experience. Thank you for sharing that joy with us.

[@clary98]

I never clicked faster in my whole life. I’m glad you were able to see the show live and enjoyed it! I’ll probably never get to see it live as I live in Spain and musicals aren’t so common here but I’ll continue listening the album and hoping that someday I’ll be able to travel all the way to New York to see it. Thank you for this amazing video ❤️

[@phoenixcoffey3839]

When you talked about loving seeing everyone dressed up and how you're watching people run around singing songs and it's supposed to be fun, it reminded me of why I love going and seeing my local rocky horror shadowcast as often as I can

[@rachaellarson842]

I am obsessed with Alex Brightman!!! This show is absolutely my number 1! The staging is incredible and the humor changes in each performance. I would give anything to meet this cast. And the newspaper says "Sandworm incidents increase 13% from last year."

[@VegaNorth]

I’m so EXCITED. I had gone on Halloween night 2019 and was blown away by the content since then. My greatest fear was that it would burn out. I hope to go again this Halloween! I had previously gone to a Broadway show but my memories were so hazy. This show made me unlock core memories and I felt such a sense of cameraderie.

[@CameronTheWeirdo]

I was there and looking out for you! wish I got to meet you. But Beetlejuice reopening on my birthday is cool enough. Not to mention my first broadway show.

[@decblue94]

The fact that Beetlejuice is back where it belongs makes me so happy. Took me a minute to warm up to the musical because I hold the movie so dear to my heart but hearing "Say My Name" so many times I had to give the OBC recording a listen and feel in love with the musical. Still haven't seen the show live for myself but I am planning on heading to New York one day to see it soon. I'm hoping that this re-opening finds away to keep on Beetlejuice on Broadway for a long time now.

[@JordynMcCray]

I love the use of the word resurrection. This show has so much love from its fans, and I don’t think that will ever change. Allowing musical theater to become more relaxed, relatable, and accessible with a new/fresh generation & I’m glad they’re giving it another chance on Broadway, and through the tour.

[@TheKiroKurai]

I adore this adaptation so much, and am overjoyed at the second chance it got. The music is fabulous and moving and I hope to make it out to NYC to see it in person one of these days!

[@jesileigh]

We were at the show the night after you and it was by far one of, if not THE, best theater experience I've ever had. The energy of the crowd and the cast was electric. Every single person there was just thankful and overwhelmed with joy to be there. It was so brilliant

[@mysteryminx2619]

I am constantly amazed by your episodes. I work on the other coast, doing the other thing, writing for tv. I am a California Kid, but if I don't get to NYC and Broadway at least twice a year I don't feel alive. (And yes, of course I've been an actor, and my first "high school musical' WAS "Brigadoon" -- just know, that I haven't seen this show, have a weird tie to the film, watched your first video on this show and was champing at the bit for it ... and nearly cried when I got to the end.) I AM old enough to be all your moms, and I was on stage when your parents might not have even arrived yet. Now I act on fake paper. You made me LOVE this show. I STILL go to conventions and I've been in costumes LONG before "cosplay" boomeranged back to the US. I think that's fantastic, believe me, my wife and I ARE Price and McKinley, and half the cast of the touring show and the Broadway company, know us (we sit in the same seat every time and they've learned where we are -- and yes, of course, I am loud and have a very"well known laugh" -- according to the cast) I've seen the closing speech from Alex Brightman, and this company is so tight, my heart simply soared for you all. Trust me, weirdos are every age. You are NOT "Just some dude on the internet', I tell everyone about you! I love this audience and we'd be screaming right beside you. We are complete Marvel geeks, and I swear I'm waiting for the day Disney opens "Star Wars: The Opera" at the Met, I'll be there in an Imperial Officer's Uniform. Thank you for existing and making this channel, you all are Broadway's next generation, and I love it. ... and you. (And Jagger was okay, Bowie would definitely work, he is timeless.) Here's to all of this. And you. Bravo. You gave me back Broadway when I couldn't (and haven't yet) been able to reach it. I did. Because of you. Thanks.

[@sophialore7958]

I went to see it last week on April 21st-- a dream 2 years in the making finally realized. The music from this amazing show got me through one of the roughest parts of the pandemic, and one of the little hopes I held on to was being able to see it in person if they ever brought it back. I rode a bus to New York for 8 and a half hours just to be there for a day to see it. I was seated 2nd row center-stage with no one in the seats in front of me, in full Beetlejuice cosplay-- it was like fate knew how much this meant to me and decided to be extra kind. The performance was one of the most fun and magical experiences I've ever had. So much love to all the cast and crew for bringing so much energy and joy to their performances. You can feel the ebb and swell of the audience's emotions as the show unfolds, comedy and sorrow and hope/joy in turn. It's just beyond words. I hope everyone who's been touched by this show gets to see it as well

[@SM-bp6kz]

I had a major hyperfixation with this musical in the fall of 2019, if faded in Covid times, and now it’s back in full swing. The news of it coming back didn’t reach me until about a week or two ago, and when it did, I got all the good serotonin feelings that I had back in 2019. You know it’s a special show when it’s able to elicit such strong feelings from so many people.

[@miltondelacruz7033]

This channel and one of my coworkers reawakened my love for Broadway. I went to Hadestown for my birthday in March, my mom took my husband, my sister, and I to Aladdin last week. I’ve been obsessed with Beetlejuice since last November, and now my mom, sister, husband, and I are all going to Beetlejuice at the end of the month. I honestly can’t thank you enough for helping me remember how much I love theater.

[@anonymouswind1]

Me, my partner and our friend all attended the reopening last night. The energy in the whole theater was so high and positive and just showed what the Beetlejuice musical community is like. So many amazing costumes, outfits and art, and seeing everyone so excited and happy this musical came back was great to see. I went into Beetlejuice knowing the story as well as all the songs, but I didn't expect it to hit me as much as it did, as someone who, like Lydia, is still in the own process of grieving while everyone seems to have moved on or forgotten and want you to do the same. It's an experience that I not only wanted but needed. It was one of the most amazing nights of my life, and one I will cherish forever thanks to the cast, crew and fans.

[@martinvanbureniii1478]

The Adaptation from Movie to Musical was expertly done - the show retained its hauntingly captivating vibe through the incredible set design, lighting, and ‘magic’, and I found myself enjoying the Musical’s version of Beetlejuice’s character far more than the original. I think OG BJ was exaggeratedly creepy, and I think there’s a charm to Alex’s portrayal (and the writing of his character) that creates an experience where audiences can both lean-in AND lean-back. There’s a quote I go back to frequently that Alex tweeted to me in response to a Q+A, where he said “It’s always somebody’s first show in the audience. And that was me at one point. Changed my life. Don’t want to miss an opportunity to make someone else fall in love with theatre” (-Alex Brightman) and there’s incredible merit to that. I wrote my first show specifically with a college-aged audience in mind who had never seen theatre, and took inspiration from one of your own quotes (I believe from the Beetlejuice video?) where you said “Theatre allows us the chance to play. People take their work TOO seriously, focusing on reviews and awards, and forget to play and have creating something,” and Beetlejuice encapsulates this feeling perfectly. It’s a show that is rewatchable. It’s written way more comedically than the Movie, which is an important note. It’s slated FIRST as a comedy, THEN as something to invoke a more emotional response. And to GET people who don’t have a lot of theatre-viewing experience INTO theatre, you can’t hit them with Shakespeare or the heaviest classics, because it won’t bring those people back. Beetlejuice is the perfect mix of comedy, that directly starts a conversation (even through a comedic approach) about death. Most people I know don’t tend to like thinking about their or other people’s mortality; but there is feeling of being able to stop holding your breath, and letting the air out of your lungs into a sigh when watching this show.

[@citrinedragonfly]

This makes me even more stoked for going to NYC tomorrow! My wife got tickets to this Friday's performance way back in November for my birthday, and I have been so excited ever since! One of my students introduced me to the show in late 2019/early 2020, around the same time they introduced me to Six, and as a longtime fan of the movie and cartoon (Beetlejuice was a family favorite when I was a kid), I fell in love with the musical immediately. And now I'm gonna be able to see it!!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on re-opening night!

[@MindiB]

A new item on my bucket list: See a B’way musical with this KZbinr. Love your knowledge and enthusiasm!

[@andrear2926]

Beetlejuice is what made me fall in love with musical theater. I randomly saw the clip of Dead Mom on KZbin on April 2020, really liked it and kept listening to it. Maybe a week later decided to listen to the whole cast recording and fell in love and as the pandemic was really just starting it really helped me get through those firsts months (and annoy everyone around me lmao) I don't remember how much later I saw a nice slime tutorial and just loved it even more, I related to parts of it, some hit hard, it made me laugh and cry and then decided to listen to other musicals, watch performances, videos about history, etc. and then here I am in your channel!

[@Livyjedi]

Figured I'd leave a comment to let you know how much I appreciate your videos. While I was going through some health stuff earlier this year, my mom came up to help out. While here, I showed her your Beetlejuice video (and then a bunch more of your videos lol). My mom was so invested so when we found out they'd be reopening we decided we have to go see it. We have plans to go later this spring but thank you for giving my mom and I a show to be excited about. (P.S I was on call with both my parents and mentioned the show reopening and my Mom explained to my Dad how the House is its own character, thought it was cute)

[@chrisberryman5120]

It was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. I saw it shortly before its closing and mourned its ending. So, your choice of the word “resurrection” was perfect.

[@danloosen8358]

I learned about this show from your earlier video and have never wanted to get to Broadway so badly before. So glad it's back, I hope I get to see it before it's run is up!

[@chelseacruz5728]

Love it! Love the musical and the movie! You can actually see my art on the mural! Also I think your history video did a hell of a job getting people even more into the show and you should be proud of the work you’ve done!

[@rando3086]

I saw this back in January 2020 on my 21st birthday. Brought my girlfriend to this performance. She’s never seen the movie and only saw a few tik toks of the songs. We both agreed it was the most fun we’ve had at any show we’ve been too and she loved it.

[@emilyfarfadet9131]

I got into this musical right before shut-down- right before everything in my life fell apart. And now almost 3 years later- after being convinced nothing would ever be the same again- things are slowly coming together again- and this really unlocked that sensation in my brain- it's like coming full circle.

[@melsvdhoeven5789]

Beetlejuice the musical is literally the thing that kept me going during the first time we all had to stay home. And it is still my favorite musical ever!!! Th e chaos, the design, the acting, the songs. It all speaks to me!!! I literally sing the songs EVERY DAY (no exceptions!!) while walking with my dogs!!! So… yeah Beetlejuice the Musical is ICONIC

[@Nomarura]

I got to see Beetlejuice shortly before it originally closed. Blew my mind, I was totally obsessed. I saw it with a school group, and I was devastated that my family couldn’t see it. Now hope I can drag them there!

[@aslprobro]

I stumbled on the show in 2019. I feel head over hills in love! Thank you for sharing your experience and I can’t wait to take my little niece. She loves the music from the show.

[@osutuba]

I am so happy to hear that this musical is making a comeback!

[@obelleblue]

I was lucky enough to see it both in DC and on Broadway right before The World closed, and there is something so wholeheartedly comforting about sitting in the audience of that show, genuinely. In DC, when the show was still finding its footing, there was this feeling in the room like every single person in the seats, young and old, needed this to succeed, it was such a unique experience to be apart of, and we all wanted the rest of the world to see it. And then to see it in New York, months later, and seeing people dressed up and wearing the DC merch, or even homemade merch was just the most incredible thing I'll never forget. I'm hoping to see it again soon, because this is genuinely my favorite Broadway show.

[@wortblume2317]

I felt that love when I saw Dear Evan Hanson at London's Westend. I came from Germany to see that show and the audience was young and they were there with their whole heart. During intermission you could see many people crying. I love that these new Musical productions bring a younger audience in and into theatrical productions. I will never have the money to see Beetlejuice in New York, but damn I am so so happy that they are back. They deserve it. The actors deserve it, the audience deserves it.

[@lillianward2810]

Also one thing I wish I have been able to experience lately is the reopening nights of shows. I love how many shows have released clips of the iconic moments from their first shows.

[@tyagirodriguez4947]

I live in a small town in Spain so I barely ever get to see any musicals live. My only way to acess Broadway was through bootlegs. Whenever I saw Beetlejuice I fell madly in love with it. The INCREDIBLE set design that felt almost like a big magic show, a stellar cast, brilliant music (I still listen to most songs daily and it's been over three years) a musical so weird, creepy, hilarious and fully about death yet it's SO full of heart. It's my favorite musical ever, it made me feel less lonely, and I cannot express enough how much it means to me, so I knew I just had to see it live. Long story long, I started saved up for months in order to go to Broadway (eventually) and then 2020 came along, and Beetlejuice closed, and It truly felt like that was that. Seeing your video has truly made my day, I had no idea they reopened, and the content itself felt like a love letter to the show. I'm so happy that there's so many people still invested in this amazing show, and that love and support it so much. Thank you❤️

[@DruSM157]

I was at the opening night show too, and what a hell of a show! Back in before the closure I was planning to fly into NYC and see the final Beetlejuice performance in June, but of course the shutdown changed it. When they announced the show was returning, I grabbed tickets immediately! It was my first show on Broadway ever (as well as my first time in NYC) and it was amazing! I had the same issue with the Marquis, as my friends and I had no idea where the heck to go to line up. But all the special stuff we got for opening night, as well as the warmth and happiness we could feel oozing from the cast that we all showed up (and jeebus, we SHOWED UP) made it an experience I'll never forget.

[@crisfranco4717]

Flew from L.A. to NYC to see BEETLEJUICE two years ago. Very entertaining show. My only comment is that the amazing set does so much in Act 1 -- that there's little new it does in Act 2. We've seen most of the big effects and reveals. I expected it would have saved one last surprising trick for Act 2's 11 o'clock number. Aside from that, Alex Brightman is terrific. So glad he and the show are back!

[@IAmHappyTacos]

I’ve never got to experience watching it fully on stage before mostly because when I found out about it was Covid. But I always wanted to experience the crazy antics of it. It looks amazing.

[@CyberChamp]

We flew over to NYC on holiday and managed to see it during opening week by pure luck. I was almost in tears with excitement over the energy of the show. It just brought me so much joy.

[@Lisa-bm5sf]

Your characterization of Beetlejuice as the "Deadpool of Broadway" makes so much sense! It's also fitting that this video of yours came out around the same time as your Superbia video. Larson wanted to wake up a generation, to get a non-traditional audience to come out to Broadway shows. The cult following and general popularity of Beetlejuice seems like an extension of that attitude. People don't usually cosplay for Broadway and get so excited to wait a performance about death for 2 hours, but they do for Beetlejuice. And the passion that the cast and crew brings to the show really just makes it even better.

[@robustfawn]

You made me really like BJ the musical! I kinda got a bad impression off the Macy's & Tony's broadcasts, but you turned my feelings around so much, I ended up dressed as Beetlejuice for Halloween2021, with particular attention to emulating the broadway BJ's costume... my bf and i probably listened to the soundtrack hundreds of times last summer. kinda dropped off my radar lately but i am so happy to see such a warm re-reception for this show's restart.

[@thegirlwholivedinthetardis]

What I wouldn't give for a pro shot of Beetlejuice! For all of us who are obsessed with the soundtrack and have no way to see it live... Yeah

[@danicaagoncillo526]

this honestly sounds like so much fun. I wish so badly that I was there, but sadly I live in literally another continent. I'm so happy you got to see it live on reopening night and meet the queen Sophia Anne Caruso herself!!!! I'm looking forward to the day I can see this show live :)

[@seangocrazyyy]

sophia has been out of the show since before covid hit! he most likely saw the new lead lydia elizabeth teeter who is AMAZING:)

[@PianoDisneygal10]

@@seangocrazyyy he did see Elizabeth Teeter. But he mentions in the video that he also met Sophia Anne Caruso, probably at some other event or something.

[@kaileykrantz]

My god. I am absolutely jealous that you had this experience, Mr. Brendon. I love how you used Beetlejuice as your pinnacle example of theatre being accessible to everyone (especially the younger generation). This whole video essay was so beautiful. I appreciate your thoughts. Maybe I’ll have this opportunity to experience all of this. Sincerely, Your Broadway Upstart Edit: An absolute chef’s kiss for including the fans’ reactions for watching this show. I love you for that

[@emmah8234]

Honestly I can barely believe that Beetlejuice managed to come back. It really shows the resilience of shows like this, and just how important a solid fanbase can be to a show

[@paigemachnicz923]

I was there for reopening night and it was easily the best experience I've had at a show. I was sobbing half the time out of pure excitement. Elizabeth Teeter was a magnificent addition, and the rest of the cast was so amazing and you could tell just how much they missed us. It was just... incredible. Elizabeth as Lydia is easily the best I've seen of the other two girls. She had so much passion... after losing my mom a few years back, when she sang Home you could see and feel a heartbroken girl. I sobbed so much. I'm still speechless.

[@michellelurvey9318]

Beetlejuice was a part of my one and only whirlwind weekend in NYC seeing 3 shows in two days. It will always have a special place in my heart and will be bringing me back to the city for the second time.

[@carveylover]

I have to tell you, this show grew on me. I have yet to see it but maybe it will come to LA. I became a fan of the soundtrack and the artists once I let my Fandom go. I was making something I love from my childhood so precious that I couldn't appreciate this show. Your videos Brendan actually helped with that, you let me have a peek into the behind the scenes. You let me get to the actors and the struggles. You in a way gave me permission to let go my nostalgia and embrace the new. This is the Little Engine That Could it kept saying I think I can and despite everything it did. This show is something IMO The Great White Way needs. I hope this show gets the second chance it needs.

[@iAmNovaFilms]

I got to see Beetlejuice on Broadway in its original run in 2019, and I got to meet Alex Brightman after! I think it’s an awesome production, and I like how grimy, smokey, and sleazy the production is And it was a joy to watch, but I didn’t particularly care for most of the characters other than Beetlejuice and Lydia, and I didn’t really like much of the music. BUT, I did really enjoy the production

[@kittee6409]

I saw it in DC before it went to Broadway. I asked for tickets as a birthday present, and my dad went with me. He paid for front row seats at the National Theatre... And HE thanked ME at the end. That's how good it was.

[@ratato5714]

I’m so excited to see this show! I’m already booked for one of the last planned shows, later this year!

[@cryptidrecording]

I can’t wait to see this production in two weeks, the video of the opening number looks incredible

[@welbe__]

I loved this video very much As someone from another country who can't go to Broadway just listening to you so exited about a show that gets me so exited listening to the cast recording Idk Just made me happy

[@skysmith71]

It was amazing! The energy was unreal, and Alex didn’t even get 2 words out b4 applause!!!

[@car0_lineee]

I went to see Beetlejuice on February 19th, 2020 literally Sophia's last day, and none of us knew it. It had such an energy, the self awareness makes it so unique. Even though I'm not in my Beetlejuice "phase" anymore, it will stay in my heart as the beginning of my love of theater and my first Broadway show ❤

[@solarkitty1849]

yoooo i saw sophia’s last show too!

[@car0_lineee]

@@solarkitty1849 I'm slightly more lame, I saw the matinee, so technically second-to-last show, but still last day 😭😭

[@bobbithchiz9746]

I wish I could’ve been there man! I remember hearing the story of how it was shut down in place of music man and it’s TREMATULOUS (did I say that right) history. Just happy to have it back man! Please continue to do your thing, LOVE your videos :)

[@AnnelisR]

I saw the show a couple weeks ago and frigging loved it. Now I watched this. WHY AM I CRYING

[@lucario719]

the Music Man managed to win the same amount of Tony Awards as Beetlejuice

[@Larper64]

I'm so excited that this came back. I hoping to make it to New York to see this soon.

[@bgreyno1]

OMG, I was there the same night and it was crazy!!! Loved that people dressed up as well! And that line was so long and confusing, I kept thinking, is this part of it, keep us going in circles like a sandworm?!

[@danstives]

I’m so happy to hear that bettlejuice made a triumphant return to the stage, with luck it’ll keep the attention it deserves and be here to stay for a good long time. Really hope I’ll get a chance to see it online at some point.