PREVIEW: It’s Showtime for Beetlejuice Jr.

20 Performing Arts Academy presents show in three performances at The Polish Hall in Brantford on May 2 and 3.

As local theatre lovers will be aware, Beetlejuice The Musical is part of Mirvish’s 2024-2025 season, running June 3 to July 19 at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto. In fact, with the Broadway version of the musical still actively being performed, the junior production only recently became available to be licensed in the U.S. and Canada. 20 Performance Arts Academy, the company behind the shows on May 2 and 3 in Brantford, is the first company in southern Ontario to produce it.

According to the synopsis, Beetlejuice JR., “tells the story of a strange and unusual teenager named Lydia Deetz, who is grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with death. Luckily for Lydia, she and her father move to a new house haunted by a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life.”

Beetlejuice JR. is based, of course, on the enormously popular 1988 Tim Burton film starring Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin, Winona Ryder (as Lydia Deetz), and Michael Keaton (as Beetlejuice). It’s the younger sibling to the successful, full-length musical that premiered on Broadway in 2019, and was nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best New Musical.

Music Theatre International outlines a few differences between the full-length musical and the junior Broadway production. The former has two acts, 11 characters and an ensemble, with an R rating; the junior version has one act, a full dozen characters and an ensemble, and a milder, PG rating. The latter also comes with a trimmed down run time, 90 minutes in the case of 20 Performance Arts Academy’s production.

The musical has been variously described as “vivid,” “high octane,” “off-the-wall,” and “a (Nether)world of pandemonium.” In the press release for the Brantford production, 20PAA says Beetlejuice JR. “is sure to leave audience members laughing and singing those catchy tunes for hours after they leave the theatre.”

Beetlejuice JR. is the culmination of the current session of 20 Performing Arts Academy’s musical theatre intensive program, in which students from grades 6 to 12 learn the art and craft of musical theatre. Future sessions will culminate in Footloose The Musical (starting registration next week), and Les Miserables in 2026.

20 Performing Arts Academy was founded in 2024 by Hamilton native Theresa Noon-Hunter and Kristen Henderson, long-time professionals within the theatre and film industries. They’ve also collaborated on There’s a Production, an area musical murder mystery dinner theatre company. 20PAA was started as a way to provide more resources and opportunities for young thespians in the Brantford area who might otherwise need to travel to other, larger areas like Kitchener-Waterloo or Hamilton. Interestingly, about half of the Beetlejuice Jr. cast are from the Hamilton area, says Noon-Hunter. 

20PAA’s governing mandate includes the values of diversity, representation, inclusivity, and accessibility. In addition to the musical theatre intensive program, the academy also runs a four-week musical theatre summer camp in July, held at Sydenham Heritage United Church in Brantford.

This weekend’s run of three performances is produced by Henderson and Noon-Hunter, and directed by Noon-Hunter. There’s musical direction by Matthew Skinner and stage management by Amanda Dye. Marissa Elliott and Kari Ostermeier are behind the choreography.

As for the cast, I asked Lydia, Julia, Chase, Achilles, Giuliana, Emily, Liam and Noah – all of them performers in Beetlejuice JR. – to answer a few questions regarding their love for musical theatre, the ups and downs of their craft, and their hopes for their upcoming production.

Why do you like performing?

“(It’s) the thrill of it. It’s like wanting to go on a big roller coaster, and being terrified but that’s what makes it so fun. Because when you get on the ride, you can’t stop smiling.” – Lydia (age 15)

“I enjoy performing because of the experience of getting to play different characters and, of course, getting to have fun on stage with all of my friends.” – Giuliana (age 12)

“Personally, I like performing because I like to try and push out of my comfort zone. I also like expressing my creativity to others.” – Julia (age 16)

“I love performing because it’s always been such a big part of my life. Growing up, I spent so much time dancing, singing, and playing instruments, and it became more than just an activity. It shaped who I am. Being on stage allows me to express myself in ways that words alone can’t. Music and performance were such huge parts of my childhood, and they taught me not only technical skills, but also confidence, creativity, and connection with others. Performing feels like coming home to something that’s been with me all along.” – Liam (age 16)

“I like performing because it gives me a chance to both be somebody else and bring a character to life. Plus, dressing up and doing makeup is so much fun!” – Achilles (age 17)

“Since I was little, I have always liked to make people laugh. I like the energy of the stage and the audience.” – Noah (age 12)

“I love storytelling and exploring different personalities through the characters since it’s often different from my own personality. I love getting to work with friends and make memories while learning new skills along the way. I love performing because of the community in theatre and how trusting and supportive everyone is. Casts are always so friendly and accepting because everyone has to put themselves out there when performing.” – Emily (age 15)

“Performing is something that I enjoy because it gives me the chance to share my passion with others. I truly do it for the love of it. Whenever I am on stage, I feel like my most alive self.” – Chase (age 15)

What’s the most challenging part of performing a show and the most fun aspect?

“I think the most challenging thing about performing a show is the fact that I have stage fright but it’s all worth it because I get to spend that time with my friends who help me get through it.” – Julia

“Something I find challenging is stepping into a character that is so different from my own personality. The most fun part of getting to put on a show is learning all the songs, scenes, and dances and then watching them come together for the performance.” – Chase 

“The most challenging part of performing a show … would be the nerves of auditions and having to lock in the week before it opens. It’s always hard rehearsing the dance numbers and songs at practice since only a few actors go all out and remember what happened the week before, but once you do tech week everything gets engraved in your brain, which is insane to me how messy it can be one moment and then the next so perfect. The most fun aspect is just goofing around with the cast and being able to be yourself in a safe environment, but at the same time, acting as a character.” – Lydia 

“The most difficult part of performing is when something goes wrong from a costume falling off or messing up a line. But the most fun aspect of it is getting to improve with the mistake and pretending like it was supposed to happen.” – Giuliana

“The most challenging part is probably time; Not only do we have to remember all the scripts, harmonies, and choreography before we perform, we also have to finish our costumes and have our props & set pieces. Everything takes time that we don't have to waste, especially as we get closer to performances. The most fun, though, is when it all comes together. It may not be perfect in the end, but it's our beautiful mess of a show, and we'll absolutely miss it once it's over.” – Achilles 

“The most challenging part of performing is staying alert in the scene and making everything look like it’s happening in the moment. It’s easy for us to speed through lines or go on autopilot when the lights are in your face and the audience is there. Making sure that you aren’t anticipating, and acting like it’s the first time every time is a challenge. The most fun aspect is seeing everything come together: the costumes, set, props and the way your castmates shine on stage. It really brings the show to life and gets the actors to feel more confident now that everything has finally come together.” – Emily 

“The most challenging part of performing a show is making sure you stay fully in the moment every time you step on stage. It takes a lot of focus to keep the energy fresh and to react naturally, even though you’ve rehearsed the same scenes and songs over and over. But that’s also part of the fun. The most exciting aspect is getting to share all that hard work with a live audience. Feeling their reactions, hearing them laugh or applaud, and knowing you’re creating a special experience for them makes it all completely worth it.” – Liam 

“The hardest part for me is doing all three parts - acting, singing, dancing - at the same time. The most fun aspect is learning a scene with your friends because you get to laugh together and make mistakes together.” – Noah 

What do you want audiences to notice about your production of Beetlejuice JR.?

“I would like our audience to notice the diverse ages in our show, acknowledging how all of us complement each other although everyone has different experience levels and are far apart in age.” – Lydia 

“I really hope that our timing and delivery, especially of the jokes and dark humour, are well-executed so that the audience enjoys the show.” – Noah

“I want them to notice that we worked very hard to really bring the show to life.” – Julia 

“Hopefully all the effort I put into the soul box…” – Achilles 

“I want the audience to notice how much fun the cast is having on stage. Beetlejuice is one of my favourite shows. I am excited for people that are unfamiliar with the musical to see how strange and unusual it is!” – Chase 

“I would like you to notice how young the cast is and also how much hard work the cast and crew put into this show.” – Giuliana

“I want audience members to notice just how professional and talented our cast is. Every single performer has put in so much work, focus, and energy to bring this story to life, and it really shows on stage. I’m especially proud that this is the premiere production of Beetlejuice JR. in southern Ontario, which makes it even more exciting. The cast has risen to the challenge with a level of dedication that feels far beyond their years, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience the creativity, heart, and fun we’ve poured into this show.” – Liam 

NEED TO KNOW

Beetlejuice JR.
20 Performing Arts Academy
May 2, 7 p.m. and May 3, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
The Polish Hall
154 Pearl St., Brantford
Tickets: $20 adults; $15 students & seniors
Tickets are here
More information is here