Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
“Beetlejuice The Musical” is the latest Broadway-calibre production to take Abu Dhabi by storm, following the successful runs of “Les Misérables” and “Mamma Mia!”
Staged at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, from November 20 to 30, the show marks the title’s Middle East premiere and further bumps up the emirate’s growing calendar of large-scale touring shows.
Based on Tim Burton’s 1988 comedy-horror, Beetlejuice The Musical follows the story of Lydia Deetz, a quirky teenager whose life takes a wild turn after she meets a recently deceased couple, and the title character - a mischievous demon who is fond of stripes.
The movie is adapted for the stage by director Alex Timbers, with music by Eddie Perfect, choreography by Connor Gallagher.
Beetlejuice The Musical is staged in partnership with Michael Cassel Group, Warner Bros, Theatre Ventures, Proactiv Entertainment, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Miral.
The collaboration highlights Abu Dhabi’s infrastructural capacity to attract and host world-class productions.
Lead actor Andy Karl spoke to Aletihad about performing the show in the region for the first time.
“As a brand-new visitor to Abu Dhabi and the UAE, it is very special to explore a part of the world that is welcoming to both me and Beetlejuice The Musical. I am very proud to be an ambassador for an exciting musical experience that is one of a kind,” he said.
Reflecting on touring, he added: “I have to say whenever I go to a new place in any part of the world, with any show, people will tell me to expect different responses from local audiences. The fundamental truth I have learned throughout my career is that everyone loves to laugh and applaud and share a great story. Also, everyone wants to see me and my cast having a good time. If we have a good time, then the audience will have a good time.
“I am really looking forward to having a great time with a great show in an incredible city.”
Karl spoke of the importance of Beetlejuice connecting with the audience and tapping into their sense of humour.
“In a way, there has to be a conversation between him and the audience from his very first entrance.
“As a result, I am researching cultural aspects of Abu Dhabi commonalities and differences to understand what is funny and significant there. I find comedy and music a terrific bridge between cultures, and Beetlejuice is so well written and irreverent that I don’t have to add or change much,” he said.
A veteran of 14 productions on Broadway, Karl admits playing Beetlejuice is high-intensity and demands constant focus.
The character’s fast, attention-grabbing energy can take over, so he tries to stay present and follow each impulse in real time to keep the performance sharp and thrilling; without letting it run off the rails.
Beyond the fun and games on stage, Karl reveals there will be time to enjoy what the city has to offer.
“Abu Dhabi goes big. You bet I will be at the Ferrari World for its rollercoasters, the Louvre for its art and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for its architecture. I am feeling the energy, and the raucous spirit of Beetlejuice will match the energy of this vibrant city pretty well,” he added.
