July 24,2025
By Eve Copeland
Photos by Amy Todd
The Victoria Players Children’s Theatre (VPCT) is calling on all fans of the weird and wonderful: Beetlejuice Jr. is hitting the stage July 24–27, at the Liberty Union High School Auditorium in Baltimore. With six performances and a talented cast of 46 young actors, this youth theatre favorite promises to deliver laughs, thrills, and plenty of “strange and unusual” fun.
“The most I could say without spoiling it is that this musical is the perfect mixture of humor, emotion, death, and overall joy,” said Nicholas Henwood who plays the title character. “Lydia Deetz is a teenage girl growing up after losing her mom and being stuck with her dad trying to leave it in the past. But Beetlejuice is in a similar situation, feeling invisible, wanting to be seen as he is a dead man stuck in the world of the living. Both are invisible, and seek recognition and not being alone anymore, which is why they find each other.”
The cast, ranging in age from 8 to 18 and representing communities across central Ohio, brings Tim Burton’s beloved characters to life. Heidi Chabot stars as Lydia Deetz, bringing experience from productions like Peter Pan, The Music Man, and Freaky Friday. Opposite her, Henwood takes on the mischievous Beetlejuice; with 22 productions under his belt, this is his eighth with VPCT.
Other principal cast members include Allison Freeland (Barbara Maitland), Tarrin Clark (Adam Maitland), and Bailey Shy (Delia Schlimmer). The ensemble is supported by five dedicated backstage crew members, led by first-time stage manager Joshua Henwood.
“I could not be more grateful for the people I get to do this show with,” Nicholas Henwood said. “They are so so, so, so kind and thoughtful and really care about this show. Without any of them, I’m just a bad comedy show. They are the show and they don’t get enough credit for how amazing they are.”
Behind the scenes, the production is guided by director Max DeBaltzo and music director Megan Hysell, both making their debuts in these roles. VPCT veteran Jill Henwood returns as choreographer, with Melissa Sponseller on costume design, Ryan Westhoven crafting the set and props—including a custom sandworm—and Brooke Schrader managing the extensive props and set dressings.
“This cast is a group of teenagers who have volunteered their time this summer to put on this performance,” DeBaltzo said. “They are devoted to pursuing creative passions, supporting each other, and building a space of inclusion.”
“The crew makes the entire show come to life,” DeBaltzo said. “Without them providing lights, sound, effects, costumes, makeup, and a plethora of other behind-the-scenes work, we’d just be people walking around a stage rambling about death! The synergy between the cast and crew is what truly makes the show happen.”
Showtimes are July 24–26 at 7:00 p.m., with 2:00 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday, July 26–27. Performances take place at Liberty Union High School Auditorium, 500 W. Washington St., Baltimore.
Tickets are $15 each, plus a $1.50 online processing fee, available now at vpct.ludus.com. Advance purchase is recommended, as VPCT shows often sell out.
To make the evening even sweeter, Schaffner’s Drive-In (601 W. Market St., Baltimore) is offering a limited-edition “Beetle Juice”—a black raspberry smoothie with “dark and twisty” sprinkles inspired by the show. It’s the perfect pre- or post-performance treat.
After Beetlejuice Jr., VPCT will keep the thrills coming with Goosebumps, running October 30 – November 2.
With its combination of humor, heart, and hometown talent, Beetlejuice Jr. promises an unforgettable summer theatre experience.
“The set is amazing,” said Nicholas Henwood. “The crew is amazing. The directors are amazing. The cast is soooo amazing. I cannot express how much effort goes into the show and it really shows on stage. There’s crowd interactions, there’s amazing dancing, the songs are spectacular, and the cast is incredibly dedicated and talented.”
