In SGHS’ production of “Beetlejuice JR,” the student cast delivered spirited performances, lively musical numbers, and plenty of laughs in this crowd-pleasing production directed by Kelsey McNeilly. (Photo Credit: AUSD Communications Interns Brayton Andrade and Ricardo Padillo)
San Gabriel High School Theatre wrapped up a wildly entertaining run of Beetlejuice JR this April, bringing humor, heart, and just the right amount of spooky charm to the campus stage. Directed by SGHS drama teacher Kelsey McNeilly, the production dazzled audiences over five performances, earning praise for its creativity and the standout efforts of the student cast and crew.
At the center of the fun and mayhem were the impressive leads. Elijah Luna delivered a hilariously unhinged and charismatic performance as the titular character of Beetlejuice. His energy was matched by Lily Hindman as Lydia Deetz, whose emotional depth anchored the show’s heart. As Barbara and Adam Maitland, the duo of Maria Vargas Lopez and Allan Flores brought warmth and comedic timing to their roles as the awkward ghost couple trying to reclaim their home.
The cast embraced the offbeat humor and bold style of the musical, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish with their beautiful vocals, sharp choreography, playful costume design, and clever staging. With catchy numbers like “The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing” and “Say My Name,” the show brought plenty of laughs and left the audience humming the tunes long after curtain call.The license for Beetlejuice JR only became available last fall, and Ms. McNeilly jumped at the chance to be among the first schools to showcase the production. Thanks to her direction and the students’ hard work on stage and behind the scenes, Beetlejuice JR was a memorable celebration of student talent and theatrical flair.
