Jesse Sharp has mastered the art of bringing larger-than-life characters to the stage. From his standout performances as Gomez in The Addams Family to his current role as Charles in Beetlejuice, Sharp’s ability to blend humor and heart has made him a favorite among theatergoers. As Beetlejuice makes its highly anticipated stop at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago from March 11 to March 16, 2025, Sharp sat down with rolling out to discuss his journey, his role as Charles, and why this production continues to captivate audiences nationwide.
You’ve taken on iconic roles like Gomez in The Addams Family and now Charles in Beetlejuice. What draws you to these larger-than-life characters?
That’s a question I get a lot. The simple answer is that someone wants to hire me to act. If someone has a job for me to be funny on stage, I’m all in. But as my career has progressed, I’ve noticed a pattern — I tend to end up in these larger-than-life, often spooky shows. I’ve always loved this type of material and these kinds of characters. Even when I was a kid doing community and high school theater, I was always playing the over-the-top roles. I was a bit of a class clown in high school, so it tracks. As I’ve gotten older, my look has become more serious — I can pass for a businessman on stage or screen — but at heart, I’m really just a big goofball. It fits. To be honest, I’ve been incredibly lucky, especially over the past decade, to land these big opportunities in major musicals. It’s been a real treat and a bit of a surprise.
What has been your favorite part of stepping into the role of Charles? Have you added any personal touches to make him your own?
Absolutely. In the original Beetlejuice film, Charles is just this guy worried about remodeling the house and birdwatching — he’s a bit aloof. But in the musical, his character is fleshed out more. He’s really dealing with the grief of losing his wife, and Lydia is also processing that loss. Getting to perform in a musical comedy while also exploring real human emotions and grief is a gift. When I saw the show on Broadway in 2019, I was amazed at how they developed Charles in a way that added depth beyond the film. I thought, “That’s a role I’d love to take on.” When the national tour was announced, I auditioned, and here we are almost three years later.
Beetlejuice is known for its high energy, humor, and heart. What has been the most rewarding or unexpected challenge of bringing this production to life night after night?
Without giving too much away, Charles experiences real growth in Act 2. There’s a pivotal moment where he finally opens up and confronts the loss of his wife. It’s a major shift. Everyone comes to Beetlejuice expecting a big, wacky musical comedy—and they absolutely get that. What they don’t expect is a heartfelt moment of reconnection between a father and daughter. The biggest surprise for me is that even after 800 performances, that emotional moment still feels fresh every night. It never gets old, never feels phony. You can hear a pin drop in the theater because the audience is so invested. That ability to switch from comedy to genuine emotion is what makes the show special.
As Beetlejuice makes its final stop in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, what can audiences expect?
They can expect a really good time! Even if you’ve seen the show before, we have some incredible new cast members bringing fresh energy. If it’s your first time, I promise you’ll have an unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect show to turn off your phone, escape reality, and just enjoy yourself.
Beetlejuice will be making its final stop at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago from March 11 to March 16, 2025.
