Broadway is getting spooky and satirical once again! Two favorite musicals, Beetlejuice and Heathers, are making big comebacks in New York City this fall, proving that audiences still love stories with a little edge, a lot of heart, and a touch of dark humor. For high school theater fans, these revivals are not just exciting entertainment, but reminders of how musicals can push boundaries and connect with younger generations.
After a wildly popular original run in 2019 and a short-lived revival in 2022, Beetlejuice: The Musical is back from the dead for the third time. The ghost-with-the-most will make his third Broadway appearance at the Palace Theatre, starting Oct. 8, 2025, for a limited 13 week run through Jan. 3, 2026.
“Beetlejuice is such a fun show because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Beetlejuice has the kind of humor that actually makes you laugh, not the forced stuff you sometimes see in musicals,” said sophomore Lilah Kowalczuk.
The musical, based on Tim Burton’s 1988 film, blends outrageous comedy with heartfelt storytelling and jaw-dropping visual effects. With music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect and a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, Beetlejuice tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager who befriends a mischievous ghost while coping with grief and family change. Returning to their beloved roles are Justin Collette as Beetlejuice and Isabella Esler as Lydia, both reprising their parts from the national tour. What makes Beetlejuice stand out is its ability to be both bizarre and deeply relatable. Beneath the neon lights and chaotic humor lies a story about loss, identity, and embracing life, ironically told through the lens of death. For theater students, it’s a perfect example of how creative direction, tech design, and acting can come together to create something that’s both hilarious and moving.
“I have only seen the movie, but Beetlejuice is a fantastic story and I hope I will get the chance to see the musical now that it is coming back,” said senior Julie Escobar.
Heathers: The Musical, another fan favorite that has lived many theatrical lives, is having an extended Off-Broadway run at New World Stages. Originally set to close in Sept. 2025, the production has been extended through Jan. 25, 2026, thanks to strong ticket sales and a passionate fanbase. Based on the 1989 cult classic film, Heathers uncovers the darker side of high school life, cliques, popularity, and the pressures that come with trying to fit in. The story follows Veronica Sawyer, a smart, fed-up teenager who gets pulled into the deadly drama of the “Heathers,” her school’s ruling mean girl clique, and a mysterious new boy named J.D.
“It’s kind of cool that this movie from the ‘80s turned into a musical that still makes sense today. The fact that it’s back Off-Broadway just proves how timeless it is,” said sophomore Molly Wilson.
The revival stars Lorna Courtney (& Juliet) as Veronica, Casey Likes (Back to the Future: The Musical) as J.D., and McKenzie Kurtz (Frozen) as Heather Chandler. The combination of sharp comedy, catchy rock songs, and serious themes makes Heathers a show that resonates especially with teen audiences.
Though the show deals with heavy subjects like bullying, violence, and identity, it does so with a mix of dark humor and emotional honesty that has made it a lasting part of musical theater culture. For many high schoolers, it hits close to home and offers a dramatic but cathartic look at what growing up can really feel like.
“I feel like the lessons of Heathers are really important in today’s world, especially for high schoolers. It’s wild how something so twisted can also be hilarious. You’re laughing one second and then suddenly thinking about real stuff like peer pressure and popularity,” said sophomore Daniella McElroy.
There’s something poetic about these two dark comedies returning around the same time. Beetlejuice and Heathers share a core since they both originated from cult classic films, have massive followings online, and thrive on a mix of humor and honesty. Their resurgence proves that Broadway and Off-Broadway aren’t just for traditional stories but are for spaces where weird, witty, and rebellious art can thrive. For high schoolers dreaming of being part of the New York theater world, that’s an encouraging sign that whatever they create has the potential to succeed. Whether you’re planning a trip to New York or just following the buzz online, Beetlejuice and Heathers remind us why live theater is still electric; it’s unpredictable, emotional, and always evolving. These shows may be full of ghosts and high school chaos, but at their core, they’re about being human.