URGENT UPDATE: W.F. West High School is set to present the musical “Beetlejuice,” marking the final production of long-time theater director Brian Adams before his retirement. The show opens on December 12, 2023, and runs through December 20, 2023, with performances at 7:30 p.m. and an additional matinee on December 20 at 2 p.m.
This vibrant rendition of the popular Broadway musical, based on the 1988 Tim Burton film, promises to captivate audiences with its colorful costumes and catchy soundtrack. “I still have it in me, but I think it’s time for some new blood,” Adams stated, reflecting on his impressive 30-year tenure and 50 productions at W.F. West.
Adams has been anticipating this production for years, having placed the school on the list to secure the rights to “Beetlejuice.” “When I got the notice that we could perform it this year, it lined up perfectly with my planned retirement,” he said. The story follows a deceased couple seeking assistance from the mischievous bio-exorcist ghost Betelgeuse, pronounced “Beetlejuice,” to haunt the new residents of their home.
The cast features talented students, including Ruby Stanton as Lydia, who navigates themes of loss and family turmoil. “These are things that happen in real life, which I really enjoy that it’s being told in a show,” Stanton shared.
Junior Charlotte Calway, who plays Lydia’s stepmother, expressed her personal connection to her character. “I really honor that and now I’m seeing it in a whole different light,” she stated. Meanwhile, senior Justin Hazlett, who has dreamed of playing Betelgeuse since childhood, described the character as “wacky, zany, and very loud.” “It really just let me find myself,” Hazlett added.
Although Adams is stepping down from his director role, he will remain involved as a coach and counselor, ensuring his legacy continues at W.F. West. “I want to be a part of it, like a consultant,” he said, urging interested candidates to apply for his position once it opens early next year. “We’ve built a strong program here over 30 years, and I don’t want it to die.”
Tickets are priced at $9 and can be purchased by calling 360-807-7235 or at the W.F. West ASB Office. There will also be ticket sales at the door, subject to availability. The performances will be held at the W.F. West High School Theatre, located at 342 SW 16th Street, Chehalis. Please note there is a photosensitivity warning for flashing, strobe, and laser lights throughout the show.
With such an emotional farewell for Adams and an engaging storyline, “Beetlejuice” is not just a show; it’s an experience that encapsulates the spirit of W.F. West’s theater program. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a truly remarkable production.
