Elizabeth Teeter Discusses Beetlejuice, Broadway Family, and Show Day Schedule
Elizabeth Teeter in ‘Beetlejuice’ (Photo: Matthew Murphy 2022)
by Jenna Clark
Follow on Instagram @jennaelizclark
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Elizabeth Teeter. Elizabeth is currently playing the role of Lydia Deetz in the Broadway show Beetlejuice at the Marquis Theatre in New York City.
Prior to Beetlejuice, Elizabeth has also been a part of several other Broadway productions including The Crucible, The Audience, and Mary Poppins.
Elizabeth is a wonderful performer and great person, and I am honored she took the time to chat with us for OnStage Blog.
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
It’s a cliché answer, but I feel like I’ve wanted to be a performer since forever. Before I could really comprehend what performing even was, I was playing pretend in my bedroom and acting out book scenes or imagination games. I asked my parents to audition for The Muny theater when I was seven years old, and have continued since.
Do you remember the moment you found out you booked Beetlejuice? Where were you? How were you feeling?
I actually have an interesting journey with Beetlejuice because I technically got offered the show twice. I was cast back in February 2020 originally—mere DAYS before the world shut down. I remember I was in a dance class and had to excuse myself when I saw four missed calls from my agent. It was all such a whirlwind. Nothing felt real because everything happened so quickly, and then stopped so quickly. I was barely on my third day of rehearsal when Broadway shut down, and I then went home for a year.
Almost two years later, I was asked to sort of re-check in/audition as they were bringing the show back. For the longest time, I didn’t know if the show was returning at all or if I was coming back with it etc…so when I got the call (again) that I would be playing Lydia at the Marquis, it REALLY felt surreal. I think I collapsed on my floor and cried calling my mom. So much emotion and a full circle moment after a whole pandemic.
I recently saw Beetlejuice and loved the show. What has your experience been like working on this incredible production?
It’s really been the experience of a lifetime. The size and spectacle of this show is just insane. The whole company from the creative team to the cast has been an absolute dream. They welcomed me into their family from the very first day and we all have such a special bond. Working with actors like Alex Brightman, Leslie Kritzer, Kerry Butler (and everyone else) is like getting a masterclass every single night. Watching Alex be so in tune with the audience and the comedy of it all is such a science that I feel like I’ve learned so much about just by being onstage with him.
Do you have a favorite number from the show?
Oh so many. “Say My Name” has to be up there. It’s the first moment in the show where Lydia and Beetlejuice actually meet. Up until that point, they’ve been on their own separate journeys. The words are so clever/exciting, and getting to play off of Alex as our characters try to one-up each other is so much fun. “Beautiful Sound” is another top moment—it’s such a big ensemble dance number that makes me go “wow. I am really in a huge musical.” The dancers are absolutely amazing. Then finally, my favorite moment is the song “Home” and the scene within that song. The show is incredibly fast-paced and high-intensity—in that moment, I get to stop and breathe before I sing and take the emotional time that Lydia needs. It really is a beautiful song where Lydia gets to release what she has been holding onto the whole show—and I feel myself releasing everything I have.
What have you learned about yourself from working on the show and/or portraying the role of Lydia Deetz?
I think I have really learned how much work it takes to lead a show. I have been on Broadway before—but to play a role this size 8 times a week is a newer experience. It’s hard to explain to people sometimes why I can’t go out at night, or have to sometimes not talk during the day, etc. It takes a lot of maintenance to be able to give everything you have consistently with a show like this. I’ve learned how to navigate and be in tune with my body at a higher level—especially with our crazy weekend show schedule.
In terms of portraying Lydia—it has been such a gift as an actor that I try not to take for granted. She has so many layers that I think young people can really relate to. She’s not just an angsty teenager who doesn’t care. She cares deeply. She’s in pain, and she’s funny, clever, stubborn, flawed, and kind. She’s working through her mental health and comes out on the other side—which is why I think this show resonates with so many. I think my favorite thing about Lydia—is that she is unapologetically herself. She admits she’s “strange and unusual” and she never tries to change that. Throughout the whole show, she is who she is. And I think she’s given me confidence in that way.
Are there any fun facts you could share with us about the show, your character, or the set?
The details in this show are just insane. The set is probably the coolest set I have ever seen—the wall panels change multiple times to transform from the Maitland's house, to the Deetz’s house, to Beetlejuice’s fun-house. It’s truly magical. I love the detailing on all of my costumes, too—if you look close enough you can see I wear screw earrings and scull earrings on my double piercings.
A little fun fact; Alex and I have been doing different bows every night (don’t worry, stage management loves it too) to entertain ourselves and the cast. So almost every night it’s something different—whether it's sword fighting, the west side story dance, or a funny prom pose. If you come to the show, please film the bows and tag us— we love to see it!
What has it been like being a part of the Broadway family?
Being part of the Broadway family is truly amazing. This is now my fourth Broadway show (which is crazy to say out loud) so I’ve been lucky enough to have already been a part of this community. It is really special. Everyone tries to lift one another up. And at the end of the day we just want to make art with people we love who also love to make art:-) Also, I have gained incredible mentors who I feel like I can go to for advice, and look up to not just in performing but in life.
What does a typical show day look like for you?
It really depends. I try to let my body get the sleep that it needs, so sometimes I wake up as early as 8:30, but other days I may sleep until 10:30am. I have a hearty breakfast/brunch and almost always do some type of exercise. I love to run in the mornings, listening to podcasts. I often go to dance in the afternoon/take ballet. I find that for me keeping my body moving is equally as important for my mental health as well as the stamina needed to do the show. I have two cats who I LOVE, so I spend time with them while I clean up my apartment. On busier days I may have auditions to film, press events, or a voice lesson. Some days I meet a friend for a walk in the park or a coffee. I absolutely love spending time in Central Park. Theater schedules are funny because I’ll eat a light dinner as early as 4 pm when we have a 7 pm show, then a snack to wind down afterward. I get to the theater about an hour and a half early to properly settle in, say hello to everyone, and warm up.
Do you have any memorable fan moments / what has the fan reaction been like to your character and/or the show?
The fans of this show are incredible!! I had no idea the extent of this fanbase until that re-opening night. The roar of the audience was insane, and they were cheering before songs even started. It was electrifying and nerve-wracking in all the best ways. Due to covid, I haven’t had too many in-person interactions with fans. But I have received so many wonderful messages over social media or through letters expressing how much Lydia means to them, especially people going through a hard time.
There are always people dressed up in the audience, which is just amazing.
What advice do you have for aspiring performers?
It sounds silly—but be your authentic self. You are so interesting. There already is competition…so why try to be everyone else? I still have to remind myself that every day. Also, this may be controversial, but I personally don’t like when people say “if you can see yourself doing anything else, theater isn’t for you.” I agree that in order to pursue the arts, you have to work hard and love it. You can’t have an “eh” mentality. But I also think it is absolutely okay and so important to have other things that bring you joy. Take that politics class, learn how to sword fight, maybe you like teaching-- I don’t know. I went to college for a year with an undeclared major. That didn’t mean I wasn’t serious about theater. Things that make you a better/well-rounded human being will inevitably make you a better performer.
Beetlejuice on Broadway is currently running at The Marquis Theatre until January 8, 2023. For more information, please visit - beetlejuicebroadway.com; and to learn more about Elizabeth make sure to follow her on IG @elizabethteeterofficial