Huntsville Youth Bring the Netherworld to Life with Beetlejuice Jr. at the Algonquin Theatre

The Huntsville Theatre Company's Theatre Is My Passion program is set to showcase thirty talented local youth in a frightfully funny, family-friendly musical production running from June 18th to 20th

The Algonquin Theatre is about to get a little stranger, a little more unusual, and a whole lot funnier.

This June, the Huntsville Theatre Company (HTC) is conjuring up a cult classic for local audiences as their highly anticipated Theatre Is My Passion program presents Beetlejuice Jr. Based on the beloved 1988 Tim Burton film and the subsequent smash-hit Broadway musical, this youth-led production promises an evening of frightful fun, spectacular musical numbers, and a massive showcase of homegrown talent.

For the young cast, the production represents the culmination of half a year of intense preparation, creativity, and community building.

Theatre Is My Passion is HTC’s signature after-school program, designed specifically for youth aged 8 to 18. Rather than just teaching acting theories, the immersive program takes a hands-on, practical approach to the dramatic arts. Over several months, participants learn exactly what it takes to mount a professional-grade theatrical performance from the ground up, culminating in a full-scale public run.

This year, directors Laura Lynn Martin and Emily Kuehn took on the ambitious task of bringing the wacky, high-energy world of the undead to life. It is a challenge that the cast of 30 local youth met with immense enthusiasm.

“These passionate kids have grown so much,” say Martin and Kuehn. “They’ve not only put in hours of work, but they’ve created friends, memories, and a hilarious show. Over the past six months, they’ve learned about collaborating as a team, dancing as a troupe, singing loud, and acting with pride.”

As opening night inches closer, the directors note that the energy behind the scenes has reached a fever pitch. “The closer we are to opening night, the more alive this cast from the underworld gets!”

For those unfamiliar with the story, Beetlejuice Jr. follows Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager who is struggling to find her footing while grieving the loss of her mother. When her father moves them into a new house, Lydia discovers they aren't alone—the home is haunted by its recently deceased previous owners, as well as an eccentric, fast-talking demon with a real zest for life named Beetlejuice.

Desperate to change her circumstances, Lydia strikes a bargain and calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse. However, the double-crossing spectre quickly reveals his true, chaotic stripes, unleashing a literal (Nether)world of pandemonium upon the household.

The junior version of the Broadway phenomenon retains all of the quick wit, catchy music, and dark humor of the original, expertly tailored into a fast-paced, family-friendly production that audiences of all ages can enjoy.

Beyond the flashy costumes, ghost stories, and show-stopping musical numbers, the core of the production is about giving Huntsville’s youth a safe space to express themselves and build confidence. The skills learned on the HTC stage—teamwork, public speaking, emotional expression, and creative problem-solving—are pieces of personal development that extend far beyond the final curtain call.

By supporting the Theatre Is My Passion program, local theatergoers are directly investing in the next generation of Muskoka's creative community.

The spirits will officially rise for a strictly limited four-show run at Huntsville’s premier venue, the Algonquin Theatre. With a cast of 30 local kids ready to raise the roof, tickets are expected to move quickly.

The production runs from June 18th to June 20th at the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville. Audiences can choose from three evening performances at 7:00 PM or a special matinee performance on Saturday at 2:00 PM.

Whether you are a die-hard fan of the original film, a lover of contemporary musical theatre, or simply looking to support local youth arts, Beetlejuice Jr. is the ticket to have this June. Just remember the golden rule when you walk into the theatre: don't say his name three times.

Tickets can be purchased directly through the box office online at algonquintheatre.ca.