It's our show now, kid. The ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in Beetlejuice JR., the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. Lydia Deetz is a strange and unusual teenager, still grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky 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. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium.
We're excited to share that our students will be performing Beetlejuice, Jr. this year! We wanted to reach out and let you know about some of the themes in this production so you can feel confident about your child's participation.
What Makes This Production Special
Theater has always been a powerful way for young people to explore complex topics in a safe and supportive environment. Beetlejuice, Jr. touches on some mature themes, including supernatural elements, death, and references to suicide, but these are presented in a way that encourages meaningful discussion and personal growth.
Educational Value Through Challenging Content
When students engage with difficult themes through theater, they develop critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence that will serve them throughout their lives. This production offers opportunities for your child to:
- Explore questions about life, death, and what it means to be human
- Develop empathy by understanding different perspectives
- Practice processing complex emotions in a creative outlet
- Build confidence in discussing challenging topics appropriately
Our Approach
Stony Brook Theatre Arts treats these themes with care and maturity. We create space for students to ask questions, share their thoughts, and learn from one another. The supernatural and darker elements are balanced with humor and heart, making this an age-appropriate exploration of universal human experiences.
Supporting Your Child
If your child comes home with questions about the themes in the show, we encourage you to listen openly and discuss their thoughts. These conversations can be wonderful opportunities to share your family's values and help your child develop their own understanding of complex topics.
We believe that theater should challenge us to think, feel, and grow. Thank you for trusting us to guide your child through this meaningful artistic experience!
Also check out other Arts events in Westford, Theatre events in Westford, Contests in Westford.
