★★★★★ Beetlejuice Brings Wickedly Wonderful Chaos to Brisbane

It’s showtime, Brisbane!

The opening night of Beetlejuice The Musical at QPAC was nothing short of spectacular. The dress code may have been black and white, but many audience members embraced the spirit of Beetlejuice with wonderfully creative outfits that added to the excitement buzzing throughout the venue. From the moment the doors opened, there was a sense that Brisbane was in for something very special.

Based on Tim Burton’s beloved cult film, Beetlejuice The Musical is a theatrical rollercoaster packed with humour, heart, stunning visuals and enough surprises to keep audiences spellbound from beginning to end. Fast-paced, sharp and brilliantly executed, this is the kind of production you could happily see more than once — perhaps even three times, just as the title character would suggest.

Leading the cast is Broadway star Andy Karl, stepping into the iconic role of Beetlejuice. Taking over from Australian creator Eddie Perfect is no easy task, but Karl makes the role entirely his own. His charisma, comic timing and powerhouse vocals command the stage from his first appearance to his final bow. Best known for Groundhog Day, Rocky the Musical, Pretty Woman, Legally Blonde and Moulin Rouge!, Karl proves once again why he is regarded as one of musical theatre’s finest performers.
Reprising their roles from the Melbourne season are Karis Oka as the gothic Lydia Deetz, Jenni Little as the lovable Barbara Maitland, Rob Johnson as the endearing Adam Maitland, Erin Clare as the wonderfully eccentric Delia Deetz, and Tom Wren as Charles Deetz. Together they create a perfect ensemble, with outstanding vocals, impeccable timing and genuine chemistry.
Brisbane’s own Angelique Cassimatis is a standout as Miss Argentina, delivering one of the show’s most memorable performances and earning some of the biggest reactions of the night. Strong support also comes from Andy Conaghan, Adam Lyon, Noni McCallum and Rebecca Ordiz, while the entire ensemble brings boundless energy to every scene.
Visually, the production is world-class. The set transformations are breathtaking, seamlessly moving between the real and supernatural worlds with astonishing speed and creativity. Every technical element works together to create a feast for the eyes, from the costumes and projections to the lighting, illusions and special effects.
The orchestra, led by Anthony Barnhill, deserves special praise. Eddie Perfect’s clever and infectious score is brought to life beautifully, with the musicians providing the heartbeat of the production.
Under the direction of two-time Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, this Australian production showcases why Beetlejuice has become such a global sensation. The creative team’s attention to detail is evident in every moment, resulting in a show that feels polished, inventive and endlessly entertaining.

For two and a half hours, audiences are transported into a wonderfully weird world where the laughs come thick and fast, the music soars, and the spectacle never lets up.
Congratulations must go to producer Michael Cassel AM and the entire creative and production team for bringing this extraordinary musical to Brisbane. It is a production filled with imagination, talent and theatrical magic.
If you’re looking for a night out that delivers huge laughs, spectacular performances and Broadway-quality entertainment, Beetlejuice The Musical is essential viewing.
Don’t wait too long. This limited season is one of the hottest tickets in town.
★★★★★ 5 Stars
Beetlejuice The Musical
Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane
From June 2026
Review by Caroline Russo