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The Magic of Beetlejuice: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Musical with Neftali Benitez

March 27, 2026·21 min·2 clips

An ensemble member reveals how the Beetlejuice musical balances iconic film references with its own chaotic stage identity.

The episode opens with a promotional spot for the FSCJ Artist Series presenting Beetlejuice the Musical at the Jacksonville Center for Performing Arts, May 12-17. Hosts Phil Barrera and Eric introduce Neftali Benitez, an ensemble member of the touring production and a fellow Floridian. Neftali explains how the musical balances loyalty to the 1988 Tim Burton film—with enough callbacks to satisfy original fans—while also introducing enough new material and twists to stand on its own. He says he enjoys both the movie and the musical for different reasons. The hosts ask about the chaotic energy fans associate with the Beetlejuice IP, and Neftali confirms the show maintains that energy but through organized systems: every ensemble member knows their position at all times. He describes the most exciting backstage challenge: immediately after the opening number, the cast must strip out of one costume, change makeup entirely to look like a different person, and transition again before the next scene—a cycle that repeats through the entire show. When asked about the most challenging number, Neftali names 'Beautiful Sound' at the top of Act 2, a high-energy Broadway dance number with nearly continuous ensemble movement including flips and partner lifts. He notes that the audience's energy feeds the performers and makes the number easier once the rhythm is established. He describes the special effects design by Jeremy Chernick—who also designed for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—and highlights a practical, full-scale sandworm with a mouth-within-a-mouth that dominates backstage space. The conversation shifts to Neftali's personal fandoms, where he names the Alien franchise, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Pokemon, and Legend of Zelda, and reveals he travels with a Game Boy Color playing Oracle of Seasons. He and the hosts bond over gaming and discuss the Nintendo Switch 2. When asked which fictional world he would most want to enter, Neftali says he would want to meet a spectacular end in Jurassic Park or be put on Dexter's table—framing iconic deaths as a form of legacy. Closing the episode, Neftali reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome through the tour, saying that completing 30 shows has given him a new confidence in his abilities and his place among professional performers. The hosts frame this in terms of Hamilton's 'Wait For It' and encourage listeners to attend the Jacksonville run.

As heard by us

A backstage Broadway chat with enough craft detail to make the spectacle feel real.

This interview treats Beetlejuice the musical as more than a crowd-pleaser. With an ensemble member in the chair, it stays close to the physical work of the role, the stage tricks, and the sandworm that keeps the show feeling oddly alive.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play for a behind-the-scenes look at Beetlejuice the musical, where the stagecraft, physical performance, and practical sandworm effects do most of the talking.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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