Is Beetlejuice in trouble?

Beetlejuice is Groundhog Day. In the notoriety of its source material, in its box office numbers (BJ numbers // GD numbers), in its awards recognition, and probably in the length of its run.

With an operating cost estimated $750+ per week, there's no way they'll come close to making back the $21mm production budget. To last beyond September, sales would have to take a major upswing this summer, or WB would have to pour a ton of money into it. (The Shuberts also probably have other tenants knocking at the door.)

Right, but let's say the Broadway production is a total wash, it's virtually impossible to make back $20 mil in touring and stock/amateur licensing. Seussical and Footloose have been done by nearly every high school in America, yet licensing didn't fully cover the Broadway losses (to my knowledge).

Now, WB might have a similar licensing situation as Dreamworks' Shrek (where the producer's share of licensing royalties won't end after 18 years), but a goal of recouping in 20-30 years isn't a great business model –– especially for a WB, which has never lead-produced a hit on Broadway, and now answers to bottom-line-focused AT&T. (Worth noting also that Beetlejuice also has a bunch of outside investors, so the risk isn't all on WB's shoulders.)

Updated On: 6/8/19 at 11:14 PM

If 12 people being able to get discount tickets to a show means it is in trouble, then LOTS of shows would be in trouble... a lot of the high capacity %s are explicitly people showing up and getting TKTS tickets.

I hear from people that work there that it feels as though it will not last very long and other plays are dying to get into the theatre.

SomethingPeculiar said: "Right, but let's say the Broadway production is a total wash,it's virtually impossible to make back $20 mil in touring and stock/amateur licensing.SeussicalandFootloose have been done by nearly every high school in America, yetlicensingdidn't fully cover the Broadway losses (to my knowledge).

Now, WB might havea similar licensing situation as Dreamworks' Shrek (where the producer's share of licensing royalties won't end after 18 years), but a goal of recouping in 20-30 years isn't a great business model –– especially for a WB, which has never lead-produced a hit on Broadway, andnow answers to bottom-line-focused AT&T. (Worth noting also thatBeetlejuicealso has a bunch of outside investors, so the risk isn't all on WB's shoulders.)"

To that end--having not seen BEETLEJUICE yet (and am eager to) -- is the show in a state where it seems licensable? I am told that what's really selling the show is the sets and effects. SHREK is the kind of material that can even have junior versions, but BEETLEJUICE seems like it would be at best, geared towards high schools--really colleges, ideally--but with such physical constraints, would it even be considered for programming?

I have to say that I am unfortunately anticipating BEETLEJUICE and BE MORE CHILL to fold sooner than later. It's unfortunate, because I was really rooting for these shows, seeing as horror and sci musicals have rarely (if ever, in the case of sci fi) had their day on Broadway.

fashionguru_23 said: "According to Michael Riedel'a article on the Tony Awards yesterday, Hugh Jackman is going to move into the Winter Garden with "The Music Man"."

But the show is opening next year?

disneybroadwayfan22 said: "fashionguru_23 said: "According to Michael Riedel'a article on the Tony Awards yesterday, Hugh Jackman is going to move into the Winter Garden with "The Music Man"."

But the show is opening next year?"

Correct. Its more of a reference to the comments above that something must be circling the Winter Garden and The Music Man is it.

missthemountains said: "To that end--having not seen BEETLEJUICE yet (and am eager to) -- is the show in a state where it seems licensable? I am told that what's really selling the show is the sets and effects. SHREK is the kind of material that can even have junior versions, but BEETLEJUICE seems like it would be at best, geared towards high schools--really colleges, ideally--but with such physical constraints, would it even be considered for programming?"

The design would have to be toned down considerably for amateur/regional market, but it's probably doable? I think the book would be more of a concern; it's very much PG13. Maybe they'd even release a "high school edition" of the BJ script. Addams Family and Shrek had huge physical productions on Bway and have still found a life in amateur licensing, though the stories are G-rated.

SomethingPeculiar said: "missthemountains said: "To that end--having not seen BEETLEJUICE yet (and am eager to) -- is the show in a state where it seems licensable? I am told that what's really selling the show is the sets and effects. SHREK is the kind of material that can even have junior versions, but BEETLEJUICE seems like it would be at best, geared towards high schools--really colleges, ideally--but with such physical constraints, would it even be considered for programming?"

The design would have to be toned down considerably for amateur/regional market, but it's probably doable? I think the book would be more of a concern; it's very much PG13.Maybe they'd even release a "high school edition" of the BJ script.Addams FamilyandShrekhad huge physical productions on Bway andhave still found a life in amateur licensing, though thestoriesareG-rated."

They actually toned some of the language and sex jokes down for the Broadway production with the idea that high schools would then be able to do it. So yes, I'm sure they'll make sure there is an accessible high school version.

As for this running, I feel like if they haven't given up yet (either here or in DC), they'll at least try to make it through the summer. But would not at all be surprised to see this gone on Labor Day.

DianaD3 said: "I saw the 2pm show last Saturday and there were a bunch of empty seats."

I was at the same performance, and yes, it was disheartening to see the mezzanine so desolate.