Karis Oka on Bringing Lydia Deetz to Life in Beetlejuice the Musical

Karis Oka, a Japanese-Australian performer, stars as Lydia Deetz in the Australian production of Beetlejuice the Musical, which premiered in Melbourne in May 2025. The musical, with music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect and a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, has toured to Singapore and Abu Dhabi. Oka, who previously appeared in SIX the Musical, Fangirls, and Ride the Cyclone, describes the role as a perfect fit due to her lifelong fascination with the dark and macabre. She notes that the show balances darkness with innocence and silliness, and explores themes of death, grief, and found families. The production places greater emphasis on Lydia than the original film, broadening its appeal to younger audiences, especially on TikTok. Oka acknowledges the timing of her career, entering the industry as diversity slowly increases in Australian theatre. The musical will tour to Brisbane (June–August), Perth (August), Adelaide (October), and Sydney (November).