The Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale presents the North American Tour of Beetlejuice. The edgy and irreverent Broadway smash hit musical comedy comes to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday, June 13 through Sunday, June 25.
Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, Beetlejuice is “screamingly good fun!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
Beetlejuice is directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers with an original score by Tony Award nominee Eddie Perfect; a book by Tony Award nominee Scott Brown and Tony and Emmy Award nominee Anthony King; music supervision, orchestrations and incidental music by Kris Kukul; and choreography by Connor Gallagher.
Beetlejuice opened at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre on Thursday, April 25, 2019, presented by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures (Mark Kaufman) and Langley Park Productions (Kevin McCormick), and won the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for David Korins’ scenic design and was nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best New Musical. After Covid, Beetlejuice returned triumphantly to Broadway with performances on April 8, 2022, at the Marquis Theatre where it haunted Broadway through January 8, 2023.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Sean McManus for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
At what age did you begin performing?
I began performing out of the womb…lol…I really started performing when I was 8 doing elementary school productions and I never stopped.
What was your first paid gig?
My first gig is when I was 14 at the Paper Mill Playhouse (which won the 2018 Tony for outstanding regional theatre). It was a big deal to me as it was my hometown theatre and it meant the world to me.
When did you know performing would be your career?
When I was a junior in high school, I made the decision I wanted to pursue it in college. I put all my eggs in one basket, but I knew if I didn’t, I would be more unhappy the if I tried and it didn’t work.
Other than this show, I see you have been in productions of Sound of Music, Newsies and West Side Story what show has been your favorite and why?
My favorite was Newsies because it was the show that got me into musical theatre after watching it from the audience. To see guys dancing and expressing themselves through dance is when I knew this is what I wanted to do. So, to be in that show felt really full circle.
What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but would die to)?
SpongeBob in the SpongeBob The Musical. I would also love to play Boq in Wicked or anything in the Book of Mormon.
Is there extra pressure being in this show considering it’s such an iconic movie and everyone knows the story?
For sure, you want to honor the movie, and Tim Burton’s vision. At the same time, you want to make it palatable for the Broadway audiences. So, it’s a fine line to walk, but I think this show does a really good job of that.
Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2022
How well do you and your castmates get along?
We are all besties. We love each other so much. They found a group of people who aren’t afraid to be silly and outrageous.
Are you single or taken?
I am single.
What’s the perfect guy for you?
Somebody who has a great sense of humor, does not take themselves to seriously and has to be passion about something. I also want someone smart and curious, so they can always be figuring out what makes them tick.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Funny, determined, and loving.
What do you do for fun?
I go on long walks in all the different cities. I love reading and last night we went to JR’s for musical Mondays. I also love eating at different restaurants and trying different cuisines.
What should our readers expect from this touring company of “Beetlejuice”?
Bettlejuice is basically a big funhouse. The set is amazing, but more than that the characters are so magical they come to life in front to your eyes. Its literally the movie with a Broadway twist. There really is no other show like it!
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For more information on Sean, go to instagram.com/seanmcmanus33.
For more information on Beetlejuice, visit BeetlejuiceBroadway.com.
Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2022
Tickets starting at $35.75 and are available at BrowardCenter.org, by phone at 954.468.0222 or at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.
