Beetlejuice Musical Builds Cult Following on Tumblr

The Phenomenon of Beetlejuice on Tumblr

The musical adaptation of the 1988 Tim Burton film Beetlejuice has developed a massive cult following on Tumblr since its pre-Broadway run in 2018. With its quirky humor, catchy music, and themes of death, afterlife, and empowerment, Beetlejuice resonates strongly with many young Tumblr users.

The Beetlejuice Fandom

There are thousands of active Beetlejuice fans on Tumblr who call themselves the "Netherfolk." They create and share fan art, cosplay photos, behind-the-scenes tidbits, and general fannish excitement. The tag #beetlejuicebroadway has over 100,000 posts and #beetlejuice the musical has over 380,000 posts.

Fan artists draw the characters in Tim Burton's distinctive gothic cartoon style. Lydia Deetz, the emotional heart of the show, is a favorite subject. Fans also love illustrating the ghosts of the dearly departed Maitlands and the "Bio Exorcist" Betelgeuse himself, in all his eccentric undead glory.

Relatable Themes

For many young musical theater fans on Tumblr, Beetlejuice explores life's big questions in a poignant yet fun way. Despite being about death and grief, it's an optimistic show about finding your voice and purpose.

Lydia is an anxious, lonely goth teen who wants to be seen. The ghostly Maitlands just want to be competent "life coaches," even post-mortem. Beetlejuice is the unwanted party crasher desperate for connection. This motley crew helps each other find their place in the world (and afterlife).

Empowering Messages

Another huge Beetlejuice draw for Tumblr fans is how empowering its messages are. Lydia goes from powerless and unseen to boldly saving the day. The Maitlands transform from naive pushovers to badass ghost exorcists.

Even Beetlejuice's journey from toxic con man to loyal friend inspires hope. He realizes he'll only find the belonging he craves by changing his ways. Scenes like Lydia singing "Home at Last" and the whole "We'll Dance Again" finale resonate deeply.

Catchy Showtunes

Of course, the infectious score by Eddie Perfect helps cement Beetlejuice's Tumblr domination. Songs like "Dead Mom," "That Beautiful Sound," and "Say My Name" get stuck in your head for days. Fans can't get enough of Alex Brightman's manic musical comedy performance as Beetlejuice.

Sophia Anne Caruso's emotional portrayal of Lydia has also been lauded, especially her big solo "Dead Mom." Tumblr fans eagerly share live performance clips as well as cast recording tracks.

Signature Aesthetic

Visually, Beetlejuice is a feast for Tumblr's aesthetically-minded fans. The Handbook for the Recently Deceased prop goes viral after every stage door. Tim Burton's gothic cartoon approach comes through in the puppets and bright costumes.

The moody lighting, fog effects, and clever transitions between worlds also impress. Of course, fans go wild replicating the makeup for the various ghoulish characters. Every show is a spooky cosplay dream.

Widespread Memes

Naturally, such a beloved Tumblr musical has spawned endless memes. There are "Sandworm Sue" jokes, Beetlejuice doing that weird dance, and Winona Ryder's iconic "Lydia Deetz" wedding scream face.

Jokes about millennial depression and anxiety with "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" as the soundtrack are also rampant. The musical's cheeky engagement with death spawns lots of macabre humor.

Passionate Community

Mostly, the Beetlejuice musical Tumblr fandom celebrates passion. Passion for flawlessly delivering each morbid punchline. Passion for finding your voice against all odds. Passion for holding onto life and death with all you've got.

The show has cemented its place in Tumblr's musical theater zeitgeist. Whether through raucous memes or vulnerable art, fans prove loving Beetlejuice is truly "strange and unusual." As the ghost with the most would say, it's all just "good, clean, deathly fun."

FAQs

Why has the Beetlejuice musical become so popular on Tumblr?

It resonates with Tumblr users due to its quirky humor about death, empowering messages, Tim Burton gothic aesthetic, and catchy musical numbers.

What are some of the most popular Beetlejuice memes and jokes?

There are many memes about millennial depression/anxiety using songs like "Day-O," jokes about "Sandworm Sue," and Winona Ryder's iconic wedding scream face.

Who are the most beloved Beetlejuice musical characters on Tumblr?

Lydia Deetz and the ghosts of Adam and Barbara Maitland are very popular. Fans also love the eccentric demon Betelgeuse and his showstopping musical numbers.

What kinds of creative content do Beetlejuice fans produce?

Fan art, cosplay, behind-the-scenes photos and videos, memes, fan fiction, edits of songs/scenes, and general excitement over their love of the show.

Why does the Beetlejuice musical soundtrack resonate so much?

The songs are incredibly catchy earworms that hook into your brain right away. Numbers like "Dead Mom," "Say My Name," and "That Beautiful Sound" became instant hits.