Broadway musical Beetlejuice is heading to Melbourne in the latest coup for the city’s theatre scene.

The show, based on Tim Burton’s 1988 dark comedy film, will make its Australian premiere at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in April 2025.

It tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a teenager who is haunted by a dead couple and a demon named Beetlejuice when she and her family move from New York City to an idyllic country home.

The musical, directed by Alex Timbers and with music and lyrics by Australian actor and composer Eddie Perfect, was nominated for eight Tony awards during its Broadway run from 2019 to 2023.

The Australian production will be led by entertainment executive Michael Cassel, who joined Perfect to announce the news on Monday.

“Good things come to those who wait and there isn’t much longer to go until we get to welcome that demon with a theme for stripes,” he said.

Beetlejuice joins other hit productions to premiere in Melbourne in recent years, including & Juliet, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Callum Godde
(Australian Associated Press)