PHOTO: YSTA | The South Pasadenan | Tickets Available as YSTA’s Beetlejuice Jr. Opens Friday for Limited Run
The Fremont Centre Theatre went interdimensional this weekend as the Young Stars Theatre Academy presented Beetlejuice Jr., a spirited and funny production filled with big personalities, physical comedy, and the unmistakable joy of young performers doing what they love.
YSTA productions have become a South Pasadena local tradition, and one of the pleasures for returning audiences is recognizing familiar faces year after year. Several longtime performers appeared noticeably more confident this time around, bringing an easy comfort to the stage that comes only from experience—and from clearly having a great time together.
Leading the mayhem was Elsa Rose Barbouth in the title role of Beetlejuice. At just 14 years old, Barbouth handled the fast-talking, mischievous character with impressive comic timing and nonstop energy. Beetlejuice is a proper troublemaker, but Barbouth’s playful charm made this ghastly character irresistibly charming, drawing steady laughs throughout the show. Remarkably, this is Elsa Rose Barbouth’s fourteenth musical performance – her experience truly showed through in this challenging character: Beetlejuice.
As Lydia Deetz, Daniella Belkin provided a perfect counterbalance, capturing Lydia’s moody outlook while keeping the character relatable and sincere. Her performance grounded the story nicely amid all the supernatural chaos unfolding around her.
A crowd favorite was Josephine Barbouth as Delia, whose full commitment to the role’s eccentric humor paid off—especially during a memorable possession scene that had the audience laughing out loud. The physical comedy throughout the production was one of its strongest elements, with the cast enthusiastically leaning into every exaggerated moment.
Strong supporting performances from Judah Levine as Charles Deetz and Lexi Callan and Everett Blau as Barbara and Adam Maitland helped keep the story moving smoothly, while the ensemble brought lively energy to every scene in the Netherworld and beyond.
Director Cadence Johnston, along with choreographer Esteban Hurtado and the YSTA production team, deserve credit for guiding a large young cast through a fast-paced and demanding show. The result is a production that feels polished while still keeping the fun front and center.
Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the afternoon was the energy coming from the stage itself. The cast clearly enjoyed performing together, and that enthusiasm carried straight into the audience. What began as a lighthearted visit to the theatre turned into an afternoon filled with laughter, smiles, and a warmly earned final curtain.
With Beetlejuice Jr., Young Stars Theatre Academy once again reminds the community why its productions continue to draw loyal crowds: talented kids, supportive mentorship, and a stage where creativity—and confidence—can shine.
PHOTO YSTA | The South Pasadenan | BeetleJuice Jr Show Flyer