The captivating chaos and comedic flair of ‘Beetlejuice’ the musical returns to Philadelphia this month, showcasing its vibrant spectacle at the Academy of Music.
Among the talented cast is Marc Ginsburg, a Philly native and Penn State alum, who plays a vital role behind the scenes as the national tour’s male swing and understudy.
This role requires Ginsburg to be ready to step into multiple characters — including the iconic ghost Beetlejuice himself — at a moment’s notice.
In an exclusive interview with Metro, Ginsburg opened up about his theatre background, the mental gymnastics required to handle various roles, and the surprising ways ‘Beetlejuice’ resonates with its audience.
Growing up in the region, Ginsburg has fond memories of his first theatre experiences in Philadelphia. He recalls attending shows at the Valley Forge Music Fair, where he was mesmerized by productions such as ‘Annie’ and ‘The Sound of Music.’
“My family has always been a really big theatre family,” Ginsburg shared. “My great uncle, who was a theatre nut, would take my father and my aunt to all the pre-Broadway tryouts in Philly. I love Philly theatre and I love that it’s still going strong.”
When it came time to choose a college, Ginsburg selected Penn State for his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in musical theatre.
He had considered various schools along the East Coast, including NYU, but ultimately opted for a program that allowed for a well-rounded education.
“I wanted to take ‘gen ed’ classes,” he explained. “The more you know about the world can only help inform your work as a performer. I just felt very comfortable at Penn State; the faculty was fantastic.”
Ginsburg’s day-to-day routine in ‘Beetlejuice’ reflects his readiness and versatility.
He approaches each day as if he will perform that night, even though he’s not technically an onstage cover.
His routine includes resting, taking vitamins, and preparing his voice and body for any potential last-minute performances.
“For me, I can’t get sick! I try to get as much sleep as possible,” he emphasized.
His family has joined him on the tour, adding valuable support during the demanding schedule. “We try to experience as much as possible,” Ginsburg noted of their touring adventures.
The journey to becoming a swing for the production was not without its hurdles. Ginsburg described being thrust into the role after auditioning for future replacements, leading to an intense and rapid onboarding process.
“Thankfully, the theatre company I was involved with for ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ was kind enough to let me go for it,” he recalled.
After just four days of rehearsal in New York, he found himself stepping in as Beetlejuice a mere two and a half weeks later.
The complexity of the show posed challenges, as Ginsburg had to learn a multitude of characters, props, and intricate stage directions.
“Beetlejuice never shuts up!” he joked, reflecting on the demanding nature of the production.
Despite the challenges, he finds joy in the characters he portrays. Each role, from the adorable Adam to the complex Charles and brash Maxie, offers different creative outlets.
“I love them all for different reasons,” he expressed. “Adam is closest to me — a fun, nerdy guy living his best life.”
He appreciates how Charles experiences significant growth and struggles with loss, while Maxie surprises the audience with his unexpected personality.
Even Otho, with his “indiscernible accent,” provides him the freedom to explore a wide range of characteristics.
Ginsburg described the freedom he has while portraying Beetlejuice, stating, “From day one, our associate director told us to just go for it and make whatever choices you want.”
This collaborative atmosphere allows each actor to bring their unique flair to the role.
Beyond the spectacle of the musical, Ginsburg feels that ‘Beetlejuice’ connects deeply with its audience, creating a loyal fan base.
“The show is just fun,” he emphasized. “The music is great, and Eddie Perfect is an amazing lyricist.”
He is often surprised by the heartfelt messages he receives from fans, expressing how the show has positively impacted their lives.
Ginsburg recalled meeting a young boy who felt marginalized for his unique style, cementing the show’s appeal to those who identify as outsiders.
Many audience members relate to Beetlejuice’s journey of invisibility and the longing for acceptance.
“I’ve kept in touch with that young boy since then,” Ginsburg shared fondly. “It’s just special to see what this show means to people.”
He noted that his portrayal of Charles resonated with a father of three daughters, further emphasizing the show’s universal themes.
“There’s really something for everyone to attach to, and I wasn’t expecting that,” Ginsburg concluded, highlighting the touching connections that fans feel with the story.
As the musical continues to run, Marc Ginsburg remains a key figure in bringing the whimsical world of ‘Beetlejuice’ to the stage, ensuring that audiences leave feeling entertained and understood.
image source from：metrophiladelphia
