Beetlejuice Is Coming to Kansas City: 5 Reasons to See the Musical at Starlight
Looking for something strange and unusual to do in Kansas City this fall? The Ghost with the Most is headed to Starlight Theatre October 2–4, bringing Beetlejuice to the stage for three nights of supernatural comedy, unforgettable music, and larger-than-life Broadway spectacle.
Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, Beetlejuice tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
Tickets to Beetlejuice are on sale now and available online at kcstarlight.com, by calling (816) 363-7827, or by visiting the ticket office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City Mo., 64132.
For more information, including show content advisories, please visit kcstarlight.com. Discount prices for groups of 10 or more are available by contacting Starlight’s group sales department at 816-997-1137 or groups@kcstarlight.com.
1. See the Story Behind the Iconic Movie Come to Life
If you’re a fan of the 1988 movie “Beetlejuice” starring Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, the stage musical gives new life to the story including live performers, music and choreography, practical and theatrical effects, costumes, sets, and the energy of a live audience.
Unlike the movie, the musical features Beetlejuice as a main character and narrator who breaks the fourth wall, engaging and guiding the audience through the plot. There are some differences in character relationships, and the show introduces original music, but it keeps fan-favorite moments including the “Day-O” dinner party scene.
No matter how many years it’s been since you may have seen the movie, everyone can enjoy the musical whether it brings nostalgia or anticipation.
2. Get Ready for the Ghost with the Most
Music! Comedy! Spectacle! Just like the movie, the musical is filled with big props and over-the-top gags.
With an irreverent story, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, Beetlejuice is “A feast for the eyes and the soul!” (Entertainment Weekly). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
The Music – It’s a Show About Death
The soundtrack for the film was composed by Danny Elfman known for his quirky and eclectic music along with popular hits “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jump in the Line” both performed by Harry Belafonte. The musical contains Elfman-like elements such as carnival music and ghostly background singers mixed with songs filled with synthesizers, electric guitars, and drums.
Don’t worry, the show contains the iconic dinner party scene when the possessed hosts and guests sing “Day-O”as the finale of Act I and ends Act II with the upbeat “Jump in the Line.”
“Beetlejuice – Original Broadway Cast Recording” has surpassed 250 million streams in the United States and 760 million streams globally. The incredible growth is partly a result of user-generated content on TikTok, where songs from the album have been used in more than one million videos.
The Ghost of a Host
In the musical, Beetlejuice is a major player who acts as a narrator and breaks the fourth wall to engage the audience. He isn’t exactly known for subtlety, and that’s exactly what you get. Fast pacing, dark comedy, and a huge stage presence bring this chaotic character to life.
Stuck in the Netherworld, Beetlejuice is a lonely demon who feels invisible because he literally cannot be seen by living people. When he realizes goth and grieving teenager Lydia Deetz can see him, he makes it his goal for her to say his name three times to free him from invisibility. The rowdy, crude, and devious demon wreaks havoc when his methods quickly run off the rails.
Spectacle on the Stage
The production elements of Beetlejuice include elaborate design, large-scale puppetry, illusion effects, and high-energy musical numbers.
The original 2019 show on Broadway was nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, and Best Sound Design in the musicals category.
3. Experience Broadway Under the Kansas City Sky
A Little More Netherworld, A Little More Night Sky
Starlight Theatre is a historic theatre set in Swope Park, part of the City of Kansas City Parks system. Starlight’s grounds fit beautifully into the park setting with flowers, trees, and plants throughout.
Before the show:
Arrive early to grab dinner or a drink and explore the venue. Dining in the Applause Club includes a full meal with dining stations, non-alcoholic drinks, and desserts.
Starlight concessions offer a wide variety of food and beverages to satisfy our guests’ appetites and quench their thirsts. Whether you want a light meal or need a beverage to keep you cool, our concessions at Starlight are ready for your business.
Be sure to find a great spot to watch the evening sky change before the show begins to experience the full magic of Starlight. Then, find your seat and enjoy the musical comedy about making the most of every Day-O.
After the show:
Keep the night going in Kansas City.
Make it a full Halloween themed evening by visiting the Haunted Houses in the West Bottoms or the Trail of Terrors & Twisted Carnival in Bonner Springs. Or find a Halloween pop-up bar and spend some time reliving the hilarity of the show. Of course, dessert and a night cap at your favorite spot make a great end to the evening.
4. Starlight Has Special Offers + Tickets for $22
Starlight provides a variety of special offers and discounts. As far back as 1951, Starlight has provided low-cost tickets as a way to make live entertainment more affordable and accessible.
Today, every Broadway show has discount tickets for children (12 and under) and seniors (65 and older). Also, rush tickets are available for the military and students. With an ID, single show tickets can be purchased for 50% at the Ticket Office on the day of the performance.
Full-price tickets begin at $22.40 including fees. All tickets include free general parking, as well. Overall, Starlight is one of the most affordable Broadway tickets in Kansas City!
5. October Is the Perfect Time for a Little Something Strange
October 4 is A Strange Night at Starlight
Want to make your Beetlejuice experience even stranger? Come October 4 for A Strange Night at Starlight.
Dress in your favorite costume, sip out of this world cocktails, dance to otherworldly hits, join us for a costume parade, and celebrate Broadway’s most delightfully chaotic musical under the stars.
Use code BOO to save on tickets for the show that evening. Make it a date night or bring your friends for a great fall night at Starlight in Kansas City!
Ready to Make It a Strange Night? Get Tickets for October 4.
Start off your fall with a night of Broadway under the stars. Make your plans to see the iconic story with big musical numbers and spectacle at Beetlejuice The Musical.
It’s Showtime October 2-4 at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City!
