Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Each crass crack in Scott Brown and Anthony King’s book was met with squeals of delight, and the shrunken-headed puppet (which I have to admit is cool) was greeted like it was Taylor Swift stopping by her standby line in Buenos Aries."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...Directed by Alex Timbers, “Beetlejuice” on stage (music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect, book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, original story by Michael McDowell and Larry Wilson) is memorable primarily for its barrage of visual pyrotechnics and cheesy special effects. The experience is akin to being in a high-end, R-rated haunted house for two and a half hours."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Recommended
"...And, of course, you have to have Lydia summon Beetlejuice because he is invisible to the living until a living person says his name three times and hear them singing the famous Day-O (The Banana Boat Song). Kudos to Abe Goldfarb, who was fabulous as Otho, and Kris Roberts, who was fantastic as Juno and Maxine Dean. I questioned if they could pull off the staging of this production, but it was astonishing, and they even did a skillful job bringing in the sandworm, The Netherworld, and Tim Burton's Harry the Hunter (the shrunken-head guy). I did have issues with the vocals being drowned out by the music. Still, the musical score was fantastic."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...If you like wacky, zany, and irreverent, then "Beetlejuice" is the show for you! This musical about death, dying, and ghostly hauntings features uplifting singing and dancing and often-crazed dialogue. The comedy is dark; the entertainment is light. This tale makes some sense in the first act but less in the second, although the underlying message is a good one."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...This production, which appeared to be a sellout at the opening night performance, was wildly and enthusiastically received. Younger theatergoers especially will adore the show, although there’s a lot of profanity and adult humor. It’s best not to bring the children to this musical. Many of the theatergoers opening night arrived dressed in costume and makeup that mimicked the movie characters. The musical is actually quite fun, especially if you’re a fan of the Tim Burton film. And if loud music, blinding lights and an unruly plot don’t bother you, “The Whole Being Dead Thing” will delight."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...So, yes, this production, wonderfully directed by Alex Timbers, not only won over this old, pessimistic grump (and completely charmed the audience, regardless of age), it wowed me. From the sights to the sounds to the stars on the Auditorium Theatre stage, Broadway in Chicago's current production of Beetlejuice-running now through November 19-is an event you do not want to miss."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...The innovative team of Scott Brown (book), Anthony King (book) and Eddie Perfect (music and lyrics) said Beetlejuice three times turning the 1988 cult classic film into a highly-entertaining staged musical. Brown and King remain true to the essences of the movie. A hilariously crass spook, with green hair and a black-white striped suit, wants his life back. A family with a sullen teen move into a house already occupied by the former, now dead, residents. Brown and King broaden the humor and the heart by focusing more on the unlikely relationship of ghoul meets girl."
PicksInSix - Recommended
"...I am pleased to say that those attending were treated to a black and white striped (and green-hued) spectacle of snappy repartee, soaring ballads, splashy production numbers and eye-popping special effects that showcased a superb ensemble. But it is the unhinged brilliance of stage veteran Justin Collette as the sly, demonic and blue-cheesy Beetlejuice, and the enormously talented Isabella Esler making a star turn in her national tour debut as Lydia Deetz, that people will be talking about for a long time."
Chicago Culture Authority - Highly Recommended
"...In its own twisted way, the national tour of Beetlejuice, which opened Wednesday at the Auditorium Theatre for a brief run, is the perfect show for the current moment, when many folks want to bury memories of the pandemic as deeply as possible. As with the last post-pandemic Roaring ’20s, people are out for a cathartic good time after several grim years."
NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...The good news here is that “Beetlejuice” represents a welcome return of musicals to the Auditorium Theatre, a cultural jewel that is radically underused. There were sound issues opening night that muddled much of the dialogue and rattled the rafters with distortion, but those are issues of how to tame amplification in an acoustic gem of a venue that can be worked through."