A delightfully strange and hilarious musical is coming to the DuBois Central Catholic School auditorium this April. After months of behind the scenes and onstage preparation, DCC Players will be presenting their production of Beetlejuice, Jr. The group will perform six live shows over two weekends. Opening night is Friday, April 10th at 6:30 p.m. Additional performances will take place April 11 at 6:30 p.m., April 12 at 2:00 p.m., April 17 at 6:30 p.m., and April 18 at both 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The show features a large cast of players comprised of 47 DCC students in grades 5 through 12. These students have been preparing the production, rehearsing music, building sets, and learning the choreography that makes Beetlejuice Jr. such a unique theatrical experience.
“Beetlejuice has been an amazing experience to be a part of. This is my fifth year with the DCC players and in general this program has been great. I’ve met people who I now consider family, and even though I’m sad this is my last show, I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. This show is going to be great!” senior Dominic Sliwinski says.
This year’s show will shine brighter than ever thanks to new lighting in the school auditorium. Funds for this important upgrade were made possible through the school’s Looking to the Future capital campaign. Ryan and Anna, members of the tech crew, are excited to premiere the new, state-of-the-art system. Ryan explains, “People don’t always realize how important lighting is to a show. The old system was halogen, and we couldn’t produce many stage effects with it. Plus the lights were hot - actors on the stage were really uncomfortable.”
The new lighting is a game changer. “The capabilities are amazing,” says Anna. “The rogue lights let us shine lights wherever we want. The whole auditorium can become part of the stage.”
DCC President Gretchen Caruso agrees. “With improved lighting design and technology, every moment will shine brighter. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our donors who provided this investment in our theater, which elevates the experience for performers and patrons alike.”
With unforgettable characters, energetic music, and plenty of supernatural surprises, Beetlejuice Jr. promises a night of theater that audiences won’t soon forget. Based on the hit Broadway musical and the beloved film, Beetlejuice Jr tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a teenager fascinated by the afterlife. When she encounters a recently deceased couple and a mischievous demon with a flair for chaos, her world is turned upside down. What follows is a wildly entertaining adventure filled with humor and heart.
This year, theatergoers are invited to order tickets for all shows online and reserve their preferred seating. Tickets can be purchased at https://dccplayers.ludus.com. Tickets will also be available at the box office before each show until sold out. As interest in the production is expected to be strong, audience members are urged to order their tickets early.