St. James Tiger Drama is bringing “Beetlejuice Jr.” to the stage next week for its annual spring musical. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 9; 7 p.m. on Friday, April 10; and 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 12 at the St. James High School Performing Arts Center. Doors will open 30 minutes before showtime and admission is by donation.

“Beetlejuice Jr.” will be presented by a 35-person cast and crew of sixth through 12th graders. Auditions took place in November and the group has been rehearsing since returning from winter break in January. The show is directed by AJ Prawitz.

The musical is based on the motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. It follows Lydia Deetz, a death-obsessed teen struggling to cope with the loss of her mom. She moves to a new house with her father that is haunted by a recently deceased couple and a bio-exorcist ghost named Beetlejuice.

Gabriel Adams will play Beetlejuice and Acie Prawitz will play Lydia Deetz. Other lead roles are held by Brenlee Parsons, Gavin Moreland, Maria Prawitz, Broc Parsons, Cat Murphy, Jackson Engelbrecht, Lorelei Morris, Davey Mertz, Karris Stites and Rory Prawitz.

The musical blends comedy and chaos while also exploring themes of grief, family and the idea of life after death.

“There’s a lot of laughter,” Vocal Director and Choreographer Laura Stites said. “It’s kind of heavy content, and it’s kind of conquering that idea that one of the craziest parts about life is that someday our lives are going to end.”

Stites said the show was chosen for its recognizable pop culture title, which will help draw audiences, as well as because of its fun music and ability to engage students. Licensure for the show was released for schools last summer.

Because of the unusual nature of the musical – it shifts between the real world and the afterlife – Stites said it’s helped students grow their skills as actors. She’s enjoyed seeing both longtime drama students and newcomers learn how to take on their roles.

“We’ve got scenes that take place in the Netherworld, and we’ve got a giant sandworm and some stuff like that, that is really just off the wall,” she said. “Everybody’s kind of had to step out of their box a little bit, both acting wise and vocally. It’s been a good growth experience for them all.”

Behind the scenes, the crew has been working hard on the sets, lights and props, all of which are essential to telling the musical’s story. Senior Gina Wisdom is the show’s stage manager.

“She’s very talented,” Stites said. “We’ve got some really cool set stuff and prop stuff that’s going to be happening. Because, again, it’s not all in a normal realm.”

One highlight of show preparations was a visit from Broadway star Thayne Jasperson, best known for his role as Samuel Seabury in “Hamilton.” Jasperson worked with the middle and high school students for a full day on choreography, stage presence and character development.

“Not all programs get chances like that, but we fight to give our kids those chances, because we think that it’s important for them to have those experiences,” Stites said.

Two tickets to see the Broadway version of “Beetlejuice” at the Fox Theatre donated by Treatments with Tina will be raffled off after the Sunday afternoon performance. The raffle will open April 6 and more information will be posted on the St. James Tiger Drama Facebook page.

A silent auction offering Beetlejuice-themed baskets will be set up in the lobby the weekend of the show, along with an electronic bidding option available. All proceeds from the raffle and the silent auction will support the drama department.

Stites is looking forward to seeing the community come out to support the drama program this weekend.

“Theater is a way that kids find a place to belong, and our little theater is a family,” she said. “(It’s) a way for kids to work through big emotions, good and bad, and to prepare them for life.”