This year’s upper school spring musical, Beetlejuice Jr., proved to be a SPOOK-tacular success! The over 20-person cast of both middle and high school students performed a total of three performances from April 2 to 7 in the Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Theater, receiving wonderful reviews from friends, family, and community members alike.
The show follows angsty teenager Lydia Deetz, her detached father Charles, and her quirky stepmother Delia as they move into a new house haunted by the recently deceased Adam and Barbara Maitland. Lydia and the Maitlands attempt to spook Charles and Delia into leaving the house, eventually unleashing Beetlejuice, a rambunctious and untrustworthy spirit, to help them after their previously unsuccessful attempts. Boasting energetic group numbers such as “The Whole Being Dead Thing”, moving solos like “Dead Mom” and “Home”, flamboyant costumes, and colorful set design, both ensemble members and lead actors captivated audiences with their spirit and flair.
Beetlejuice Jr. is the last musical of Scheck Hillel’s 2024-2025 theater season, following the exciting and unique productions of Matanot Shelanu (“Our Gifts”), a dynamic talent showcase, and On The Ark, an engaging retelling of the Noah’s Ark story written and composed by lower school music teacher Dr. Michel Klein. As the school year comes to an end, all students involved in Hillel’s Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program, including participants in theater, orchestra, band, and the visual arts, have a chance to reflect on the past year’s work and plan for an even better year starting this fall!
