The hotly anticipated production Beetlejuice the Musical is making its Australian premiere in Melbourne next week. The Scoop had the chance to chat with Erin Clare playing Delia Deetz. Erin talked to us about all things Beetlejuice including working with Eddie Perfect and her kooky bananas role. Read the full interview below.
Beetlejuice is one of the most eagerly anticipated Australian premiere musicals of 2025. As we creep towards opening night, what’s the vibe like in the rehearsal room?
The final full show runs in the rehearsal room were filled with joy and a sense of playfulness that is unique to this part of the journey. We are all comfortable enough with our roles to try new offers and make each other laugh. That said, throughout the process, rehearsal rooms can change on a daily, sometimes hourly basis.
You are in the unique position to be working with Eddie Perfect, who, in addition to playing the title role, wrote the music and lyrics for this show! What’s that experience been like?
I have had the great pleasure of working alongside Eddie when we did 9 to 5 together in 2022. But the added layer of learning harmony parts alongside the man who wrote them has been another level of appreciation for his multi-faceted talents. It was initially daunting singing my song in front of him for the first time, but it has been an encouraging and collaborative experience. He is such a musical genius and really knows how to write a funny and evocative score. Seeing him perform the title role is something very special to witness.
What’s something about the Australian production that makes it unique from other versions? Aside from the fact that Eddie is playing the title role of course!
I feel that the general tone of the show and the quick-witted and fast-paced nature of the comedy is really complementary to Australian culture. The script is slick and ever-moving, and I think Australian audiences are intelligent and have a natural sense of play. As the show is so dependent on our relationship with the audience, I think it’s going to be really interactive. I know Australians have a great reputation in the arts industry globally, and I truly think the creatives have assembled the perfect cast for this incredible piece.
Let’s talk about your kooky bananas role of Delia Deetz. You came into this project having experienced the musical first and the original film second. What have been some of the joys and the challenges in bringing this role to life?
As soon as I saw some of the archival footage from the Broadway production, I knew that I wanted to play Delia. I think amongst the kooky life coach/wellness warrior mantras and nods to a dark back story is just someone looking to belong. Whether it’s religion, spirituality, wellness, romantic relationships etc, we all seek community as humans. I think that’s been the most grounding element of playing such a stylised character.
I find it so endearing how hard she continues to try with Lydia. Despite being rejected over and over, she truly wants to help and be a part of the family. I think one of the challenges in playing such a comedic and heightened character is falling into the trap of playing the comedy, rather than the underlying truth. I want her to present as a real person at the end of the Day-O.
What’s your favourite Delia line or moment in the show – the one you always look forward to in a run?
That’s a really hard question! Every time Delia appears on stage, she has many moments of comedy all wrapped up in the fierce wardrobe of my dreams. I think that the Day-O possession scene at the end of Act One is an exhaustingly fun sequence in the show and a really huge nod to the film. I can’t wait for audiences to experience it with us.
What roles or shows are on your personal bucket list? I understand this has evolved since you graduated and started your career.
Just after graduation, I had a pretty solid list of roles I wanted to play. But as my career has progressed, most, if not all of the shows I’ve enjoyed the most were either not on my radar, or never something that I imagined being a part of. All to say, I like to stay neutral, as every show I’ve done, I’ve learned something incredible, whether it be as a person or in the stagecraft. If Death Becomes Her came to Australia though I wouldn’t be mad about it!
What advice would you give to any young person wanting to get into this business of show?
My answer loosely relates to the last question. It’s very easy to imagine or try and second-guess what kind of label the industry will put on you, whether it be role or show-specific. My advice is to be as versatile as you can, in every genre. Because you only have control over the bases you’ve covered, not what casting is going to see for you.
My career has been nothing like I thought it would be when I graduated. But I’m grateful for diversifying my skills over the course of it, as it’s left me more open to and prepared for what’s to come.
Also, be happy for your friends, colleagues, fellow auditionees etc. It’s cliché, but what is meant for you won’t pass you by. Being happy and supportive of those around you is just a nicer experience for everyone – including you.
Erin Clare appears in Beetlejuice the Musical opening on 7 May 2025 at the Regent Theatre Melbourne.
Tickets: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=BEETLEJ25
Website: https://beetlejuicethemusical.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/beetlejuiceaus/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/theerinclare22/
Photo credits: Michelle Grace Hunder
Check out rehearsal footage of Erin Clare on our TikTok page!
More rehearsal photos can be found on our Instagram page.
