The musical ‘Beetlejuice JR.’ will be performed by the Saco Middle School Bobcat Players on Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m., at Thornton Academy’s Harold P. Garland Auditorium. The 60-minute funny musical is based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon, according to a school district statement. The Saco Middle School Bobcat Players’ cast and crew includes 46 middle school students and three high school volunteers under the direction of Megan Orlandella and vocal direction of Chelsey Hazelwood.

“Our students have poured their hearts into this production, bringing incredible energy, humor, and dedication to the stage,” said Megan Orlandella, SMS theater director. “’Beetlejuice JR.’ is the perfect show to showcase their talent, and I couldn’t be more proud of their hard work. I encourage community members to come out and enjoy a wonderful show and marvel at how talented our students are. As Beetlejuice says, ‘We’ve been rehearsing this nonsense for weeks — Welcome to a Show about Death.’ You are sure to enjoy this production and it is not to be missed.”

SMS eighth-grader Lalita Kumari, who plays Lydia Deetz, adds, “I am so excited to be playing Lydia Deetz for this year’s musical, ‘Beetlejuice JR.’ I have enjoyed learning about Lydia and getting to bring her to life. I also love getting to spend time with my fellow cast members. I can’t thank them enough for making this show so amazing and fun. We’ve had our ups and downs but I am truly so impressed with everyone’s skills and talents. I am grateful to have the opportunity to bring this character to life on stage and hope that the audience enjoys the entire cast’s interpretation of Beetlejuice, JR. Come and enjoy the show.”

With music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Eddie Perfect and a book by Tony Award-nominated pair Anthony King and Scott Brown, the ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in ‘Beetlejuice JR.’ Lydia Deetz is a strange and unusual teenager, still grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, she and her father move to a new house haunted by a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium.

Both shows are open to the public with general admission seating. Tickets can be pre-purchased online at bit.ly/SMSBeetlejuiceJR or at the door — $10 for adults and $5 for students.

“Beetlejuice JR.” is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.