Podcast Summary: Just Trish - "Beetlejuice on Broadway Stars React to Trisha's Casting & Share Theatre Advice"

Release Date: November 7, 2025
Host: Trisha Paytas (Jess Trish)
Guests: Justin Collette (Beetlejuice), Isabella Esler (Lydia)
Co-host Appearance: Oscar Gracey (not heard in this segment)
Location: Palace Theater, NYC – Night of Trisha’s Broadway Debut

Overview

This special episode of the "Just Trish" podcast celebrates Trisha Paytas’s Broadway debut in "Beetlejuice: The Musical." Trisha sits down with the show’s current leads, Justin Collette and Isabella Esler, to discuss their journeys with the production, the evolution from film to musical, fan culture, backstage camaraderie, and advice for newcomers to Broadway. The chat is vivacious, candid, and full of theater-insider moments, making it a must-listen for fans of musicals, Beetlejuice, or Trisha herself.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Beetlejuice: From Cult Movie to Broadway Phenomenon

• Justin’s Perspective:

  • Originally replaced Alex Brightman in "School of Rock", where he heard about "Beetlejuice" being developed.
  • Saw early performances and immediately recognized how unique and naturally-written the show's script was.
  • "It's so rare, I think, to find something on Broadway. The script, like, sounds like people talk. The dialogue is so natural." (02:14)

• Isabella’s Journey:

  • Discovered the show via TikTok and was an early fan.
  • "Dead Mom" was a particularly impactful song for her as a teenager.
  • "I learned 'Dead Mom'...when I was 16...that was my...I loved that song." (03:18)

• Trisha’s Take:

  • The musical deepens the emotional stakes compared to the film, adding layers to characters like Lydia and the Netherworld.
  • "Whereas, like, the movie, we love classic, but it’s not, like, bringing tears like the show." (03:46)

[00:46–05:25]
The trio dives into their connections with the Beetlejuice story, from first impressions to TikTok trends that spread its popularity among new theatergoers.

2. The Demands, Joys, and Chaos of Touring

• Origin of the Touring Cast:

  • Both Justin and Isabella started on the touring company, beginning in Paducah, Kentucky in 2022.
  • The tour gave access to smaller towns and brought Broadway-level theater to new audiences.

• Energy & Community:

  • Touring was described as "insane, beautiful, vibrating with energy" (06:06).
  • Theatre's collaborative spirit and sense of community are emphasized by all three.

[05:25–07:56]
Stories of first nights, audience excitement, and the energy of live theater in different American cities.

3. Connecting with Their Roles & Backstage Camaraderie

• Character Resonance:

  • Isabella deeply connects with Lydia’s experience as a misunderstood, angsty teen.
    • "I don’t...see a lot of, like, strong, young female leads in shows a lot. And I think that’s why...I gravitated towards her." (06:42)
  • Justin says playing Beetlejuice actually calmed and grounded him after years of needing an outlet for his chaotic energy.
    • "I feel like Beetlejuice has calmed me down. I...had all this energy...after three years of doing it, I’m like...I feel much more chill." (07:35)
  • Both discuss the emotional toll and catharsis of playing their respective roles.

• Backstage Rituals:

  • Both enjoy how the ensemble and principals support each other, especially during “put-ins” and rehearsals.
  • The ensemble creates backstories for the Beetlejuice clones (14:09), quick changes are a point of pride.

[07:56–17:39]
Insights into what it’s like to spend years embodying these characters and the importance of show community.

4. Beetlejuice Fandom, Broadway Legacy, & Actor Collaborations

• Beetlejuice’s Ongoing Life:

  • Justin on working with Alex Brightman (the original Broadway Beetlejuice):
    • They never “conference” about their roles but naturally have similar comedic instincts.
    • "Alex and I...have such a similar sense of humor...we both just started doing the same thing." (09:31)
    • Each brings their own spin: Alex is more “gremlin”, whereas Justin’s is sometimes a “soft little ball...so lonely."

• Multiple 'Beetlejuices' Internationally:

  • Show runs in West End, Australia, and the U.S.
  • Actor Andy Karl’s upcoming Beetlejuice in Abu Dhabi discussed.

[08:18–11:10]
The ethos of passing the torch and watching how new actors interpret the iconic role.

5. Favorite Moments on Stage

• Isabella & Justin’s Choose Scenes:
  • Isabella loves "Say My Name" and moments on the roof with Justin.
    • “Because we’re both so different. And it’s so fun...sad emo girl and this...freaky demon.” (13:00)
  • Both love "Beautiful Sound" because it's a rare upbeat scene.
  • Backstage, the complexity and speed of ensemble's costume changes is celebrated.

[13:00–14:41]
Scene breakdowns, favorite numbers, and the physical demands of the show.

6. The Role of Access, TikTok & Broadway Magic

• Accessibility:
  • Touring brings theater to people (and young fans) who can’t get to NYC.
    • "People who maybe can't afford to come to New York City...the types of people we got to do this show for...like people I knew growing up." (19:54)
  • TikTok and social media have amplified interest and access to the fandom.
    • Justin jokes he's not on TikTok because he'd lose days to treasure-hunting videos.

[19:23–23:10]
Powerful stories about the impact of live theater on fans outside big cities and the online community’s role in the Beetlejuice phenomenon.

7. The Realities of Eight Shows a Week & Performer Health

• Vocal Health Battles:

  • Justin describes using oxygen tanks in high-altitude cities while on tour.
    • "In Denver...there's oxygen tanks in the wings...all the Nether Row people...I was in a nursery nursing home, just...heaving on this industrial tank..." (23:58)
  • Isabella: "It was an adjustment trying to figure out how to even deal with...the whole Broadway schedule." (24:34)
  • Both have developed routines and rituals—but also stress mishaps, like getting lost in strange theaters.

• Pre-Show Rituals:

  • Isabella: arrives early, scrolls TikTok, keeps calm.
  • Justin: listens to “I Fought the Law” by The Clash before every show. "Before every single show, I listen to that song all the way through." (26:23)

[23:10–27:07]
The inside scoop on how the cast copes with performance anxiety, stamina challenges, and voice-saving tactics.

8. On-Stage Antics, Autopiloting, and Audience Participation

• Staying Present:
  • Justin: “I’m never on autopilot because the audience is yelling at me.” (29:06)
  • Audience often becomes part of the show – shouts, laughs, even heckles.
  • Anecdotes about responding to hecklers "in character":
    • "There was one really drunk woman in Orlando I had to yell at in the balcony." (29:46)
    • "As Beetlejuice, you have to say something." (29:54, Trisha)

[27:15–31:14]
The unpredictable energy of live theater and why Beetlejuice’s interactive vibe thrills performers.

9. Why Beetlejuice is the Perfect First Broadway Show

• For Newcomers:
  • Isabella: “It’s a good first musical to see...you feel like you’re part of the show.” (31:14)
  • Justin: “It’s a good gateway drug for musical theater.”
  • The show combines Broadway tradition, pop music, humor, and heartfelt moments for broad appeal.
  • Fun note: musical numbers blend genres from Hamilton-style rap to pop punk to classic showtunes.

[31:14–32:43]
Passionate endorsements for Beetlejuice as an entry point for new theater fans.

10. Personal Stories and Broadway Career Advice

• Isabella’s Start:

  • Community theater from age six, first role: tree #5 in "The Velveteen Rabbit," then Brigitte in "The Sound of Music."
  • Beetlejuice tour at 18; Broadway debut now.
  • Moved out on her own for the tour: “It was an adjustment for sure, having to...figure out, like, my food.”

• Justin’s Unconventional Path:

  • Improv and sketch comedy background, not a trained Broadway singer/dancer.
  • First big musical: “School of Rock,” learned on the job, had to overcome huge imposter syndrome.
    • “I remember sitting down and looking at the script and...I can’t do this.” (39:10)
  • Advice for newcomers: just keep showing up and working. There’s always a way to learn.

• On Understudies and Swings:

  • Deep appreciation for swings and understudies who cover myriad roles and step in with little notice.
    • "[They] are the unsung heroes of Broadway." (40:46)
  • Stories of mid-show handoffs highlight the professionalism and nerve required.

• Advice for Trisha’s Broadway Debut:

  • Isabella: “Embrace the nerves...enjoy every second of it.” (44:46)
  • Justin: “Try your hardest to be present, because...you’re gonna want to be there.” (45:20)
  • Both emphasize the importance of audience support: “They want you to be good. They’re on your side.” (45:41)

[34:26–46:12]
Relatable, encouraging stories about breaking into the business, coping with nerves, and the backstage family spirit.

11. Broadway-to-Movie Dreams and Final Fun

• Other Musicals to Adapt:
  • Isabella: “Hadestown would be a really interesting [musical] movie.” (48:30)
  • Justin: Stumps for the cult classic "Bat Boy."
• Manifesting a Beetlejuice Movie:
  • All enthused at the thought of Beetlejuice: The Musical getting the "Mean Girls" treatment.

[48:01–49:48]

12. Bonus: Hotel Hijinks and Light-Hearted Endings

• Discussion about the Beetlejuice-themed room at the Tempo Hotel, Times Square.
• Jokes about the whole cast living/surviving in the themed suite, a la a Mr. Beast challenge.
• Trisha’s gratitude and excitement for both her own role and the community.

[49:48–end]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "It’s so rare...to find something on Broadway [where] the script...sounds like people talk." — Justin Collette (02:14)
• "I learned 'Dead Mom'...when I was 16...that was my...I loved that song." — Isabella Esler (03:18)
• "The show is like, gonna continue to go. We’re just not gonna be in it...We're like carrying it for now." — Justin Collette (08:36)
• "Touring brings [theater] to people who can’t get to NYC...like people I knew growing up." — Justin Collette (19:54)
• "I would just try your hardest to be present, because...you're gonna want to be there." — Justin Collette, advice to Trisha (45:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamps | |-----------------------------------------------------|---------------------| | Beetlejuice’s Broadway journey & evolution | 00:46–05:25 | | Touring reflections, fan connections | 05:25–07:56 | | Character connections & backstage life | 07:56–17:39 | | Beetlejuice fandom & actor experiences | 08:18–11:10 | | Favorite numbers & ensemble shoutouts | 13:00–14:41 | | Accessibility, TikTok, and fan stories | 19:23–23:10 | | Vocal care, show stamina, pre-show rituals | 23:10–27:07 | | Audience engagement, hecklers, stage chaos | 27:15–31:14 | | Why Beetlejuice is a great intro to Broadway | 31:14–32:43 | | Backstories, career paths, advice for newcomers | 34:26–46:12 | | Wishes for a Beetlejuice movie/other adaptations | 48:01–49:48 | | Hotel, cast camaraderie, fun close | 49:48–end |

Tone & Atmosphere

The mood is informal, supportive, and enthusiastic. Trisha’s awe and giddy excitement as both a podcast host and a new cast member is infectious. Justin and Isabella are gracious, warm, and full of playful banter—a testament to their real-life camaraderie. Fans will love the genuine affection between the guests and the host, the storehouse of Broadway lore, and the behind-the-scenes perspective.

Takeaways

• Beetlejuice: The Musical is cherished for its humor, emotional resonance, and innovative staging.
• The show’s fandom, diversity of cast experience, and the supportive spirit of Broadway are on vivid display.
• Both guests emphasize the empowering, healing potential of live theater for audiences of all backgrounds.
• Practical advice for future Broadway performers: be present, embrace nerves, and rely on community.

To see Justin, Isabella, or Trisha live, catch Beetlejuice at the Palace Theater through January 3rd, 2026!