By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
“Beetlejuice Jr.” will open for a two-weekend run at Paul Revere Charter Middle School, with performances beginning Friday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m.
“‘Beetlejuice’ tells the hauntingly comedic yet touching story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager obsessed with the whole ‘being dead thing,’” read a show synopsis. “Lucky for Lydia, her new house is haunted by a recently deceased couple (Adam and Barba Maitland) and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. Trying to help the newlydeads maintain possession of their home, Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse by calling his name thrice, allowing him to materialize and wreak havoc. The double-crossing specter, however, shows his true stripes … unleashing a Netherworld of pandemonium.”
Directed by Lara Ganz and Aaron Jung, the show is presented by Illumevate and PEP. Musical Director is gaba, with Jung, Sydney Diamond and Rebecca Barragan as choreographers. It features a cast of 35 youth actors in grades six through eight.
“‘Beetlejuice Jr.’ is the perfect show for all ages, groups and families to enjoy together,” read information shared by the directors. “It’s an age-appropriate telling of the hilarious Broadway musical. It’s full of singing, dancing and whip-smart laughs, woven together to tell a heartwarming story about family, friendship and embracing who you are.”
Performances will take place Friday, March 21, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m.; Sunday, March 23, at 1 and 4 p.m.; Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m.; Friday, March 28, at 5 and 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, March 29, at 1 and 4 p.m.
“With the devastating fires displacing so many families from their homes, including director Lara Ganz, she finds emotional resonance in this story of home; how we create it and who will protect it,” read a statement from the program. “Moved not only by the narrative, but by the heartfelt work of the students and unwavering support of the school community, she is eager to share this production with the city of Los Angeles.”
All performances will take place in the Paul Revere Auditorium, located at 1450 Allenford Avenue. Tickets start at $10 for students and seniors, $15 for general admission, and $20 to $30 for VIP, depending on the row.
“Thank you for supporting youth theater and investing in the next generation of storytellers, problem solvers and leaders,” the directors wrote. “See you at the show.”
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