Beetlejuice, the hit Broadway musical based on Tim Burton’s cult classic 1988 film, is known for its quirky, offbeat humor and darkly whimsical aesthetic. The musical adaptation has received widespread praise for its bold visual design, catchy songs, and eclectic mix of musical styles. One of the unexpected instruments that make an appearance in the musical score is the banjo. Though it might seem like an odd fit for a gothic comedy, the banjo’s inclusion brings a unique texture to the show’s sound. This article explores how the banjo is used in Beetlejuice and how it enhances the musical's playful and unpredictable atmosphere.
The musical Beetlejuice, with music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect, takes the audience on a wild ride through the supernatural world of ghosts, the living, and the afterlife. The music in the show blends a wide array of styles, ranging from upbeat, rock-infused numbers to more info somber and haunting tunes. Much like the character of Beetlejuice himself, the score is unpredictable and full of surprises, reflecting the chaotic nature of the story.
The instrumentation in Beetlejuice helps to reinforce the show’s eccentric vibe. In addition to traditional Broadway instruments such as piano, strings, and percussion, the score includes a number of less conventional choices like the banjo, accordion, and electric guitar. These instruments contribute to the show’s playful and irreverent tone, reminding audiences that in Beetlejuice’s world, anything can happen.
The banjo is an instrument that might seem out of place in a show about death, ghosts, and the afterlife, but its presence in Beetlejuice adds a layer of charm and unpredictability to the musical score. The banjo is typically associated with folk, bluegrass, and country music, and it brings a distinctive, twangy sound that can evoke feelings of fun, energy, and even absurdity.
One of the key reasons the banjo works so well in Beetlejuice: The Musical is its ability to bring a sense of playful energy to the show. The character of Beetlejuice, played on Broadway by Alex Brightman, is chaotic, mischievous, and often outrageous. The banjo’s fast, rhythmic strumming and plucky sound mirror these qualities, amplifying the zaniness of the musical’s more humorous moments.
In several of the show’s ensemble numbers, such as “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing,” the banjo plays a supporting role, adding a light, jaunty feel that contrasts with the darker themes of the story. This contrast is key to Beetlejuice’s appeal: while the show deals with heavy subjects like death and the afterlife, it does so with a sense of humor and lightness, and the banjo helps to strike that balance.
In Beetlejuice, the banjo is also used to create moments of contrast within the musical score. For example, the musical features eerie, ghostly songs that evoke a spooky, haunting atmosphere, but the banjo provides a whimsical counterpoint to these darker elements. By juxtaposing the banjo’s bright, lively sound with the more macabre aspects of the show, the musical underscores its quirky, off-kilter tone.
This technique is particularly effective in songs like “That Beautiful Sound,” where the banjo’s plucky notes stand out against the heavier, more ominous instrumentation. The contrast between the banjo and other instruments mirrors the show’s overall aesthetic: a blend of the creepy and the comical, the dark and the absurd. The result is a soundscape that keeps the audience engaged and on their toes, never quite sure what to expect next.
Another way the banjo enhances the musical is by amplifying the character of Beetlejuice himself. As the chaotic, larger-than-life central figure of the show, Beetlejuice is unpredictable, irreverent, and always ready to break the rules. The banjo’s playful, non-traditional sound reflects this anarchic energy. It is not an instrument commonly associated with Broadway, which makes its inclusion feel as offbeat and unconventional as the character it helps to underscore.
In moments where Beetlejuice takes center stage, the banjo adds a level of comic relief and spontaneity, further enhancing his eccentric personality. Whether in fast-paced comedic numbers or more subtle moments of mischief, the banjo is the perfect musical counterpart to Beetlejuice’s antics, helping to bring out the full range of his character’s unpredictable nature.
In addition to the banjo, several other instruments in Beetlejuice’s score help to create its unique, eclectic sound. These include the accordion, electric guitar, and organ, each of which contributes to the show’s playful and spooky atmosphere. Together with the banjo, these instruments give Beetlejuice a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more traditional Broadway musicals.
The accordion is another unconventional instrument that appears in Beetlejuice’s score, bringing a carnivalesque, vaudevillian feel to certain numbers. Like the banjo, the accordion’s playful, bouncy sound helps to create a sense of fun and irreverence, while also adding a touch of vintage charm. This instrument is particularly effective in numbers where the show’s offbeat humor and whimsical tone are on full display.
The electric guitar adds a modern, rock-inspired edge to the score, giving Beetlejuice an extra burst of energy in its more frenetic, high-octane moments. Paired with the banjo, the electric guitar helps to create a dynamic contrast between traditional and contemporary sounds, reinforcing the musical’s blend of the old and the new, the living and the dead.
Of course, no musical about ghosts and the afterlife would be complete without the eerie tones of the organ. The organ’s deep, resonant sound adds a sense of gothic atmosphere to the show, providing a dark backdrop against which the lighter, more playful instruments like the banjo stand out. This contrast between the banjo and the organ enhances the show’s comedic tone, while also reminding audiences of the underlying themes of death and the supernatural.
The use of the banjo in Beetlejuice may seem unexpected at first, but it plays a crucial role in shaping the musical’s distinctive sound and atmosphere. By adding a playful, quirky energy to the score, the banjo helps to reinforce the show’s balance of dark humor and lighthearted fun. Alongside other unconventional instruments like the accordion and electric guitar, the banjo brings Beetlejuice’s zany, unpredictable world to life, ensuring that audiences are both entertained and surprised at every turn.