Q&A With Actor Jeff Brooks From Touring Production of "Beetlejuice" In Fresno

By Lorie Lewis Ham

The North American Tour of Beetlejuice, the edgy and irreverent Broadway hit musical comedy, will be on stage at the Saroyan Theatre in Fresno on February 13 and 14, presented by Broadway in Fresno. The performances will be on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. KRL recently had the opportunity to interview one of the actors in the show, Jeff Brooks, who is playing Charles in this production.                              

KRL: Where are you from?

Jeff: Raised in a small town in Central NY called Marathon.

KRL: When did you first become interested in acting?

Jeff Brooks

Jeff: Interestingly, my mother was a high school drama teacher and refused to get a babysitter for me when I was very young. Instead, she set my crib up at the foot of the stage, right next to the piano while she played. I literally grew up on stage.

KRL: What was the first role you played?

Jeff: The FIRST role I ever played was The Dreadful Dragon of Utrecht in a 6th grade play that my friends and I wrote. My first role of note in the world of musical theater was Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly.

KRL: What are some of the roles you have played professionally?

Jeff:  In my 20+ years as a touring professional, I’ve had the opportunity to play so many wonderful roles. Some to note as my favorites would be Gaston AND the Beast, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Cheech in Bullets IOer Broadway, Sonny in A Bronx Tale, Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, and recently, Larry in Dear Evan Hansen and Walter in Elf, to name a few.

KRL: Why did you want to play this role particularly?

Jeff: Getting the opportunity to play Charles is exciting to me simply because I appreciate the depth and breadth of the character that developed from the movie to the musical. Charles’ role in the movie isn’t quite as connected to his daughter’s life and some substantial changes were made to his journey specifically that I believe make him far more approachable in the stage rendition.

KRL: Can you share a little about the character for those not familiar with the role?

Jeff: For those not familiar with Beetlejuice, Charles is Lydia’s father, a well-meaning widower who desperately wants his daughter to have a safe and comfortable life in the wake of a family tragedy.

KRL: Were you a fan of the show before you were cast?

Jeff: Before I was cast, I had only previously seen the Broadway production one time when it first landed. I was obviously blown away by Alex Brightman’s stellar performance, but my favorite takeaway was without a doubt, Leslie Kritzer’s Delia. So it’s wonderful to able to work across from the exceptionally-talented Bailey Frankenberg and get to experience her brilliant take on the role. 

KRL: What was it about the role that gave you particular pleasure and the biggest challenge?

Jeff: One of the things I like best about playing Charles is a specific scene in Act Two in which he gets an opportunity to connect with his daughter. Getting to share the stage with Leianna Weaver is a joy and I look forward to getting to do it every night. 

As far as roles go, this has been less challenging and more fun, but there is a substantial amount of physical comedy that comes along with the role, which while entertaining, requires a keen sense of timing and that is only made easier by my scene partner.

KRL: What did you need to do to prepare for the role?

Jeff: I had very little preparation time for this role, in that I was finishing up a contract with the Elf National Tour just two weeks before Beetlejuice rehearsals began, but memorizing the text and becoming well-versed with the lines is always an important part of preparing any role.

KRL: What do you like best about this show?

Jeff: The thing I like best about this show is that its heart surprises you. We make a joke to say that it’s a “show about death”, but it’s also a show about life, connection and realizing what you have and how special it is. 

Beetlejuice The Musical - Australian Production - Photo by Michelle Grace Hunder

KRL: Can you describe a typical day for you while touring with this show?  

Jeff: A typical day for me always consists of a few important criteria in no particular order: A healthy breakfast, a workout, some sunshine, and a local cappuccino. Throw in a good book or video game session and it only gets more interesting! 

I am excited to have the opportunity to bring this wonderfully goofy, endearing, and beautiful show to cities all around the country! 

Tickets for Beetlejuice are available at BroadwayinFresno.com, or in person at the Fresno Entertainment and Convention Center Box Office. 

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