Beetlejuice, Day-O and the Best Songs From the Musical
The visual spectacle that is Beetlejuice needs a score to match the energy and comedy of the show. The word “eclectic” is used in almost every description of the musical’s score, so please forgive me for the number of times it gets used here.
Australian composer Eddie Perfect created an eclectic, high-energy blend of carnival pop, contemporary rock, and vaudeville cabaret. His background in cabaret, comedy, and musical theater resulted in a creative score that brings something new to the musical. It was also nominated for a Tony Award in 2019.
“The score is so eclectic,” Connor Gallagher, Beetlejuice choreographer, said. “Part of that is because Beetlejuice the character has lived through many decades and eras of music. This show has elements of rap and ska; traditional old-school Broadway; and vaudeville-type music.
Musical Style and Influences
The score jumps wildly between musical styles, featuring elements of indie rock (“Dead Mom”), 1980s rock montages, Latin tango (“What I Know Now”), reggae, ska, and dancehall.
Danny Elfman Nod: While the stage score has its own modern theatrical identity, the music channels the spooky, whimsical, circus-like orchestrations of Danny Elfman’s iconic 1988 film score.
Every song plays its part in Beetlejuice. Numbers driven by the title character rely heavily on aggressive comedic timing, fast-paced patter, and brassy show-tune styling that breaks the fourth wall.
When characters are in the afterlife setting, the music features synthesizers, electronic samples, and a punchy rhythm section to create eerie, atmospheric settings.
In the land of the living, the music relies on a robust woodwind and brass section (including saxophones, trombones, and trumpets) to ground the emotional or traditional musical theater moments before crashing back into chaotic supernatural noise.
A Few Songs in Beetlejuice
The show begins with Lydia singing “Prologue: Invisible,” a mournful ballad about her mother’s passing (and sets up some backstory) which is followed by “The Whole Being Dead Thing” which introduces the irreverent character and narrator, Beetlejuice.
Perfect embraces Calypso as well as a range of other genres, including reggae, zydeco, ska, and swing, throughout the score to keep the energy going.
A personal favorite, “Girl Scout” is filled with horns and heart as a girl with a heart condition sings passionately about selling her cookies even though a scare and even too much caffeine may cause a fatality.
“That Beautiful Sound” is a Beetlejuice-pallooza with dancing, lighting, and showmanship that includes more of the ensemble and a plethora of Beetlejuices on the stage.
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.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intimidated by this song,” composer Eddie Perfect said. “I mean, “Day-O” was already 32 years old by the time Tim Burton included it in the 1988 film, having been released by Harry Belafonte on his Calypso album in 1956.”
Tickets to Beetlejuice
Experience the songs from Beetlejuice The Musical live at Starlight October 2-4!
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.
Frequently Asked Quetions
Beetlejuice starts at 7:30 p.m. Entry time is 6 p.m.
Please arrive with plenty of time to park and enter the venue. We don’t want you to miss any of the show!
General parking at Starlight is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on your entry point to Swope Park, you will be directed to the nearest lot.
Premium parking is available for $35 and may be purchased along with show tickets.
Starlight has a variety of dining options from concessions to sit-down dining.
Starlight concessions offers a wide variety of food and beverage choices to satisfy our guests’ appetites and quench their thirsts. All concessions are cashless.
Upgrade your Broadway experience by purchasing dinner in the Applause Club. For one price, you can enjoy dining inside the Applause Club featuring food stations and desserts.
A new option is picnic baskets! Choose from sweet or savory options to pick up when you arrive.
Starlight is located in Swope Park at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, Mo., 64132.
Entry to the park is from Meyer Boulevard, Gregory Boulevard, or 63rd Street.
We recognize that not every production or artistic choice will meet the expectations of every audience member. As you consider attending performances at Starlight, please use the information here to make your decision to learn more about a show.
