Tim Burton goes musical

From 20 to 30 November 2025, Beetlejuice the Musical will be staged for the first time in the United Arab Emirates, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Based on Tim Burton’s 1988 cult film, the show brings to the stage a Musical adaptation that stays true to the film’s irreverent spirit, blending dark humour, surreal imagery, and reflections on the afterlife. At the centre of the story is Lydia Deetz, a sharp, goth-leaning teenager who forms an unlikely alliance with a grotesque, chaotic demon to upend her dysfunctional family. The plot retains the original’s subversive tone, now reimagined with original songs, dynamic set design, and a fast-paced comedic rhythm. Beetlejuice takes on the role of an out-of-control narrator who frequently breaks the fourth wall, drawing the audience into his manic world with slapstick antics and biting satire. The Musical premiered on Broadway in 2019 and, after an initial closure due to the pandemic, returned to the stage to renewed acclaim, earning multiple Tony Award nominations. The stage version deepens Lydia’s character, exploring her grief and inner turmoil with a balance of humour and emotional weight. The production is notable for its visual effects, eccentric costumes, and choreography that supports a score ranging from Rock to classic Musical theatre. Its aesthetic channels Burton’s dark visual language, adapted for the stage through a striking contrast between the world of the living and the dead. The Abu Dhabi run marks a key step in the Musical’s international journey, following successful runs in Broadway and the West End. The show will be performed in English.