The global phenomenon Beetlejuice The Musical will make its Australian premiere at Melbourne's Regent Theatre this Saturday, drawing fans from across the country to Australia's cultural capital - proudly backed by the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today joined producer Michael Cassel and lead actor Eddie Perfect to preview the spectacular show, which is based on Tim Burton's 1988 film of the same name.
Music and lyrics for the adaptation have been created by Melbourne's own Perfect, with the hit show nominated for eight Tony awards during its highly successful four-year run on Broadway.
The musical follows the story of Lydia Deetz, a teen who discovers a ghostly couple in a haunted house and summons a chaotic demon to help her navigate the world of the living and the dead.
The Australian Premiere in Melbourne adds to other major productions here such as Moulin Rouge! The Musical, & Juliet, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Groundhog Day.
Theatrical productions attract visitors to Melbourne and deliver significant economic benefits to the state - creating jobs, supporting local businesses and contributing to Victoria's record $40 billion visitor economy.
Supported by the Labor Government's Major Events Fund, Beetlejuice The Musical adds to a blockbuster pipeline of cultural events including Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image at the Bendigo Art Gallery, Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition, RISING and the upcoming Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: French Impressionism exhibition.
For more ticketing information, including discounted school group prices, visit beetlejuicethemusical.com.au.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"Beetlejuice The Musical is a global hit and we're thrilled to bring this supernatural spectacle to Melbourne - boosting our local economy and providing a huge thrill for theatre lovers from across the country."
"Melbourne is the cultural capital of the nation and securing the Australian premiere of Beetlejuice The Musical adds to an amazing array of cultural events around the state."
As stated by Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
"Major theatre productions like Beetlejuice The Musical not only entertain - they drive tourism, boost local businesses and add to our huge pipeline of events showcasing how our State is 'Every bit different'."
As stated by Composer, Lyricist & Lead Actor Eddie Perfect
"Bringing this show home to Melbourne, the city where I cut my teeth as a musician and writer, is a special, full-circle moment."
As stated by Producer Michael Cassel
"Melbourne is the perfect place for Beetlejuice to stir up some mischief in this wickedly funny, big Broadway production. We can't wait to welcome audiences to the Netherworld in Australia's theatre capital."
