Updates to the latest Marie Curie Musical: Beetlejuice

How’s it moving along? by AUDREY N. & ALANA S.

The Cast: The cast has been working hard memorizing their lines and places for each scene and song. The understudy fill in day and dress rehearsals are coming soon as the show is coming in only a few weeks. With practices going until 5:00pm, they are diligent. 

The Crew: Stage crew has been working hard bringing in props on and off the stage. They’ve had some longer practices making sure the transitions are clean and quiet. Stage crew has also been operating the lights and curtains and have been helping with the entire show.

The Set: Set design is behind the scenes making the props and backgrounds for the wonderful cast. With Ms. Loizou and Ms. Abamont, they have tirelessly been working Tuesdays and Wednesdays to make sure the show turns out amazing.

The Show: These clubs are coming to an end as the show is right around the corner. The shows are on May 30th and 31st, but only those two nights. Make sure to get your tickets, they’re $5 per person! There will also be assemblies during the school day to give you a preview of the show. So go watch Beetlejuice Jr. and see all the hard work everyone has put in!

Beetlejuice: An Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Look by Timothy Lai and Abby Mo

Ah yes, it’s the 4th marking period. Filled with not-so-exciting events, such as state testing, Regents, and final report cards. But, scratch that. It also means the school musical is coming to MS158! As we all know, our school is having a production of Beetlejuice Jr, inspired by the Tony-nominated Broadway musical and the classic Tim Burton-directed 1988 movie. So, join us in a behind the scenes look with one of our senior editors who will be playing the role of Maxine Dean, Abby Mo!

Q: Introduce yourself to our audience!

A: Hello! My name is Abigail Mo, I am an eighth grader enrolled at Marie Curie middle school, as well as one of the senior editors of our beloved school newspaper. 

Q: What is your role in Beetlejuice and can you describe it?

A: One of my favorite parts about Beetlejuice is that I get to play a bunch of small roles throughout the show! I am Ms. Argentina’s understudy, a dead cheerleader, Maxine Dean (The fifth wife of Maxie Dean), as well as a random dead person! 

Q: How does a usual rehearsal play out?

A: Ms. Carlucci and Ms. Allen typically start the day off with a short fun game to get everyone acquainted-from there, we transition into vocal and dance warm ups. Soon after, we jump straight into practice! In a usual practice, the teachers critique anything that needs to be fixed and the cast does constant run throughs. We always have short breaks in between when we’re not on or backstage to drink water and socialize. 

Q: Do you have a thing that the cast is good at?

A: I think one of the highlights of our Beetlejuice cast is how supportive everyone is-everyone works hard to make sure no one is excluded. After finishing a song, you can hear a roar of applause erupt, shouts echo throughout the walls, and that’s just our cast alone. Even when we’re off set-we build bonds that last outside of school.

Q: What do you like most about Theater Club?

A: My favorite aspect of theater club is the end results you get when you put in the effort-our show at the end of the year is something everyone looks forward to, because we get to showcase all the hard work we put in. Everything really shines through. 

Q: Lastly, why should the readers see Beetlejuice on May 30th and May 31st (wink wink)? 

A: It’s a total cackle! I’m totally, 70, 80 percent not biased..I think? Beetlejuice is something the whole cast and stage crew puts in a ton of effort into, and it means a lot when you take time out of your schedule to show up. Plus, it’s very enjoyable to watch and enjoy. Just try not to sing along…

That's a wrap on our perspective! We hope you received details about our musical. And remember, see Beetlejuice live May 30th  and 31st inside MS158’s theater!