‘Say the Name Three Times:’ Riverhead Middle School Presents Beetlejuice JR.

February 7, 2025

‘Say the Name Three Times:’ Riverhead Middle School Presents Beetlejuice JR.

The Middle Masques Plan to Bring Scares, Laughs, and Musical Excellence

RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 2025)—The Riverhead Middle School Middle Masques present their production of Beetlejuice JR. on Friday, February 7th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday. February 8th at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. in Riverhead High School’s Charles Cardona Auditorium. The performances will mark one of the first productions of Beetlejuice JR. on Long Island. Students have worked tirelessly to put together a production sure to thrill audiences.

“In the Riverhead Middle Masques and Blue Masques programs, we enjoy selecting shows that have not been widely performed yet,” said director and musical director Laura Nitti, who also runs the Riverhead High School Blue Masques program. “It provides for an exciting and fulfilling challenge, as our students are always eager to set the bar. The recent release of the original movie’s sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, in 2024 has also amplified excitement for this production.”

The Tony Award-nominated musical adaptation of the 1988 film opened on Broadway in 2019, with a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King and music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect. The show follows Lydia Deetz, a teenager deeply grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the dead, as she and her neglectful father move into a new home haunted by a recently deceased couple, the Maitlands, as well as, of course, Beetlejuice, a devious demon with the goal of getting someone to say his name three times.

“I just want to thank the cast and crew for everything they have done,” said eighth grader Ben Foehr, who is playing Beetlejuice. “Without all of them, this production wouldn’t be possible. It is an honor to be one of the first middle schools on Long Island performing the show, and I can’t wait for people to see my wig. At first, I thought it looked ridiculous, but it fits because Beetlejuice is ridiculous!”

Eighth grader Adelaide Boese, who is portraying Lydia Deetz, voiced that she is excited to be a part of this show and working with such an amazing cast. She also explained that the Middle Masques program has helped her with life skills as well.

“Middle Masques has improved my public speaking, made me unafraid of performing in front of a crowd, and brought me new friends,” said Adelaide. “I am so excited for audiences to see the dance numbers. They are so upbeat for such a spooky play and make audience members feel immersed in the show. I hope everybody comes out to see the performances and enjoys them!”

Mentors from the Riverhead High School Blue Masques program have also been a crucial part of the production. Erin Hubbard, a 12^th-grade Blue Masques member, served as choreographer for Beetlejuice JR. and was a vocal mentor for last year’s middle school show. The Blue Masques program has truly fostered her love for musical theater, and this mentorship provided her with important choreography experience, which she plans to study, alongside dance, in college.

“The Middle Masques program has grown so much over the years,” said Erin. “I remember what it was like in middle school, figuring out what I wanted to do. Having mentors to inspire the middle schoolers helps them grow and encourages them to continue performing in high school.”

Tickets for Beetlejuice Jr. will be sold at the door. General admission tickets are $10, and tickets are $5 for Riverhead students with ID.

For more information about the Riverhead Central School District, please visit the district’s website at www.riverhead.net. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/riverheadCSD. #BlueWavesPride.