The curtain is set to fall on an era as Brian Adams directs his final production at W.F. West High School. The winter musical, a rendition of Beetlejuice, will close on December 20, 2023, marking the end of Adams’ remarkable 30-year tenure. Over those years, he has directed approximately 50 productions, leaving a significant legacy at the school.
Adams decided to retire from his role as theater director, feeling it was time for “some new blood.” Before announcing his retirement timeline, he secured the rights for W.F. West to stage Beetlejuice, a recent Broadway musical adaptation of the 1988 film by Tim Burton. “The musical is quite different from the movie, with colorful costumes and a catchy soundtrack that appealed to me,” Adams remarked.
The story of Beetlejuice revolves around a deceased couple seeking the help of a mischievous bio-exorcist ghost, Betelgeuse, to haunt the new residents of their former home. A young girl named Lydia, portrayed by senior Ruby Stanton, navigates the challenges of her mother’s death, a distant father, and a new stepmother. Stanton expressed her appreciation for the show’s exploration of real-life issues, stating, “These are things that happen in real life, which I really enjoy that it’s being told in a show.”
Junior Charlotte Calway, who plays Lydia’s stepmother, draws parallels between her character and her own experiences with her stepfather. “He’s done it a lot better than my character has, but I really honor that,” she noted, highlighting the personal connections that the story brings to the cast.
Another standout performer, senior Justin Hazlett, has long aspired to play the title role. He recalled being captivated by the character at a young age. “I just really clicked with the character,” Hazlett said, describing Betelgeuse as “wacky, zany, and very loud.” In bringing the character to life, he emphasized the personal growth he experienced through the role, stating, “It really just let me find myself.”
Although this production marks the end of Adams’ time as director, he will continue to support the theater program as a coach and counselor. “I’m not leaving and saying ‘goodbye, don’t even bother me.’ I want to be a part of it, like a consultant,” he explained. Adams is eager to see the program continue and encourages interested candidates to apply for the director position once it opens early next year. “We’ve built a strong program over 30 years, and I don’t want it to die,” he added.
Performances of Beetlejuice are scheduled for December 12, 13, 19, and 20, with showtimes at 19:30 and an additional matinee at 14:00 on December 20. The shows will take place at the W.F. West High School Theatre, located at 342 SW 16th Street, Chehalis. Please note that there is a photosensitivity warning for flashing, strobe, and laser lights throughout the performance.
Tickets are priced at $9 per person and can be purchased through the W.F. West ASB Office by calling 360-807-7235. Tickets may also be available at the door, subject to availability.
The cast and crew of Beetlejuice includes a diverse group of students, showcasing the talent and dedication of W.F. West’s theater program. As Adams prepares to take his final bow, the community reflects on his profound impact and the vibrant future of the program he has nurtured for three decades.
