The Beetlejuice musical is based on the popular 1988 Tim Burton film of the same name. The show opened on Broadway in 2019 and became an instant hit. With its catchy songs, wild sets and costumes, and irreverent humor, it’s easy to see the appeal. But is this stylish, macabre musical appropriate for young audiences? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the Beetlejuice Musical About?
The Beetlejuice musical follows a similar plot to the original film. It centers around a recently deceased couple, Barbara and Adam Maitland, who are stuck haunting their quaint New England home. When a new family, the Deetzs, move in and begin drastically remodeling the place, the Maitlands want them out.
Enter Beetlejuice, a scheming and lewd bio-exorcist ghost, who the Maitlands hire to scare away the Deetzs. Beetlejuice revels in crude humor and macabre pandemonium, but he ends up making things worse. Lydia Deetz, the goth-clad teenage daughter, is the only one who can see the ghosts and ends up befriending the Maitlands. In the end, the Maitlands and Lydia must stop Beetlejuice and get rid of the Deetzs to restore peace to their home.
Like the movie, the musical is very comedic with fantastical sets and costumes. The show is quite cynical and heavy on ironic, dark, and adult humor. There are also some sexual references and innuendos.
Is the Beetlejuice Musical Family-Friendly?
The Beetlejuice musical is generally not considered an appropriate show for young audiences, especially young children. Here are some factors for parents to be aware of:
Dark Themes
While played for laughs, the show centers around death and the afterlife. The ghosts are undead characters and there are references to suicide. Young viewers may find some of these dark themes disturbing or confusing. There are frightening moments with monsters and ghoulish appearances as well.
Adult Humor
Beetlejuice makes joke after joke laden with sexual innuendos and double entendres. There are jokes about porn, sex toys, masturbation, infidelity, and more. The humor can be crude, crass, and vulgar at times. There is also some profane language.
Scantily Clad Actors
Some of the ghost characters wear revealing, risque costumes with exposed cleavage or midriffs. There are references to topless shows and strip clubs as well. The choreography includes some sensual dancing.
Drug and Alcohol References
Characters drink wine and mention being drunk. Beetlejuice makes references to doing drugs. His wild behavior is meant to seem like he is intoxicated at times.
Scary Visuals and Loud Noises
While the show is comedic, the otherworldly sets, eerie lighting, illusions, and magic tricks could frighten young children. The volume is very loud at points as well.
What Age is Beetlejuice Musical Appropriate For?
Many reviewers and parents agree the Beetlejuice musical is best suited for teenagers, ideally aged 13 and up. The official recommendation from the producers is ages 12 and older. However, some parents may find even the teen years too young for the risque humor, sexual content, and dark themes. Every child’s maturity level is different, so parents need to use discretion.
Under age 10 is not recommended by most people. Children younger than 8 years old are very likely to be confused or disturbed by the macabre storylines, adult humor, scary visuals, loud music, and supernatural themes in the show. Many of the jokes will also go over their heads.
Parental Guidance Suggested
Parental guidance is definitely suggested due to the adult content, even for teens. The musical contains a lot of raunchy humor, sexual content, and profanity that is inappropriate for young children but may still be too much for some more sheltered tweens and teens. Parents should use caution and consider if their child is mature enough to attend.
Positive Elements for Teens
While the show may not be suitable for younger viewers, there are some positive messages in the story that could provide talking points for teenagers:
- Learning to accept people’s differences
- The importance of open-mindedness and inclusion
- The value of unconventional interests and curiosity
- Being comfortable expressing your individuality
- Thinking for yourself instead of blindly conforming
- The impact our actions have on others
The character Lydia Deetz rejects superficial popular culture to embrace her quirky, creative, gothic interests. She befriends the ghosts others are afraid of. Teenagers may relate to her feelings of isolation and desire to be true to herself. The story shows the importance of acceptance, even for unconventional people or supernatural beings.
Should You Take Kids to See Beetlejuice on Broadway?
Here are some additional factors for parents to consider when deciding if the Beetlejuice musical is a good option for their child:
Your Child’s Personality and Disposition
Consider if your child is easily frightened, disturbed, or upset by scary elements, crude humor, and supernatural themes. Children highly sensitive or anxious may not be suited for this show.
Your Family’s Tastes and Values
Think about your family’s attitudes about death, the afterlife, the occult, vulgarity, sexuality, and more. If those elements conflict with your personal or religious beliefs, the show may not align with your values.
Your Child’s Exposure to Media
If your child has already seen the Beetlejuice movie, or consumes a lot of mature media content, they are less likely to be shocked by this musical. But for children with more limited media exposure, the content may be too much too soon.
Seeing it With Your Child
Some parents may feel better about their teens seeing Beetlejuice if they attend the show together. That way you can discuss any mature content and offer guidance and perspective.
Alternatives to Beetlejuice for Younger Kids
If after considering all the factors you determine Beetlejuice is not age-appropriate for your child, here are some alternative Broadway shows to consider instead:
Disney Musicals
Disney favorites like The Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, and Mary Poppins are much more wholesome options. These shows bring beloved animated movies to life with colorful costumes, enchanting music, and family-friendly themes.
Wicked
This Wizard of Oz prequel has a dazzling fantasy setting with magic and musical numbers galore. It explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and finding one’s place in the world.
The Book of Mormon
From the South Park creators, this lively satirical musical may have some off-color jokes but isn’t overly crude like Beetlejuice. The story ultimately promotes positive values.
Come From Away
This inspiring jukebox musical tells heartfelt stories of passengers stranded in Canada during 9/11. The uplifting show focuses on human kindness in challenging times.
Conclusion
Due to its raunchy humor, sexual references, profanity, dark supernatural themes, and visually intense scenes, most reviewers do not recommend the Beetlejuice musical for children under 10 years old. Teenagers 13 and up may potentially enjoy and appreciate the show, but parental guidance is still advised.
The music and production values are impressive, and there are positive moral lessons teens may relate to. But ultimately, parents need to carefully consider their child’s maturity and sensitivities when deciding if the macabre and adult-oriented Beetlejuice is age-appropriate for their family. Upbeat Disney shows or family-friendly musical alternatives are likely better options for younger children.
