Beetlejuice The Musical Opens in Melbourne [AUS]

A Night of Netherworld Splendour: Beetlejuice The Musical Opens at the Regent Theatre

Melbourne’s theatrical firmament was set ablaze on Saturday, 17 May 2025, as the Regent Theatre played host to the much-anticipated official opening night of Beetlejuice The Musical. Adapted from Tim Burton’s beloved cinematic tour de force, this riotous stage spectacle has already been lauded as “a feast for the eyes and soul,” and its Melbourne premiere proved no exception.

BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, her new house is haunted by a recently deceased couple and a degenerate demon with a thing for stripes.

BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL stars Eddie Perfect as Beetlejuice, Karis Oka as Lydia Deetz, Elise McCann as the adorably neurotic Barbara, Rob Johnson as the sweet but clueless Adam, Erin Clare channels the zen but zany Delia, while Tom Wren joins her as Charles — the Dad who desperately needs a holiday from ghosts.

For the opening night, the city’s cultural elite and luminaries from the worlds of stage, screen, and society converged upon the Regent’s storied red carpet, their arrival immortalised by none other than Lord Murray Schoorman, the world-renowned celebrity photographer and media impresario. With his discerning lens and inimitable flair, Lord Murray captured every moment of this glittering occasion, ensuring its place in the annals of Melbourne’s social history.

Among the constellation of stars gracing the event was Elise Elliott, celebrated journalist and broadcaster, who shares with Lord Murray the singular distinction of Fire Rescue Victoria “Fire Ops” alumni. The evening’s guest list sparkled further with the presence of Lucy Durack, the reigning queen of Australian musical theatre, whose portrayals in Wicked and Legally Blonde have earned her both critical acclaim and the adoration of audiences nationwide.

Barry Conrad, the multifaceted actor and singer whose talents have illuminated both stage and screen, brought his signature charisma to the proceedings. Reality television icon Pettifleur Berenger, famed for her indelible turn on The Real Housewives of Melbourne, added a dash of glamour and intrigue to the night’s festivities.

The evening was further distinguished by the attendance of Michael Cassel, the visionary producer whose company, the Michael Cassel Group, has been instrumental in bringing world-class musical theatre to Australian shores. Representing the Victorian State Government was The Honourable Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and the Minister for Outdoor Recreation whose presence underscored the cultural significance of this theatrical event in the state’s vibrant arts landscape.

The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP with Michael Cassel

As the curtain rose, guests were transported into a realm where irreverence and heart coalesce, and where the boundaries between the living and the dearly departed are gleefully upended. The Regent Theatre, resplendent in its Art Deco grandeur, provided the perfect setting for an evening of unbridled theatrical magic and celebration.

In sum, the official opening night of Beetlejuice The Musical was nothing short of a triumph—a night where artistry, celebrity, and community converged beneath the Regent’s glittering chandeliers, and where Lord Murray Schoorman’s lens ensured that every moment would be remembered for years to come.