Joe Principe Cheers Daughter’s Beetlejuice Jr Lead Role
Proud bassist Joe Principe shared his daughter's standout turn as Lydia Deetz on Instagram
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Image: Instagram
Stage Magic On A Youth Stage
Joe Principe, bassist for punk band Rise Against, took to Instagram this week to spotlight his daughter’s breakout performance in Beetlejuice Jr. This youth adaptation of the hit Broadway show offers young actors a chance to play iconic characters in a family-friendly setting. In the production, the role of Lydia Deetz—originally played on Broadway by Sophia Anne Caruso—calls for a blend of gothic flair and heartfelt vulnerability. Principe’s daughter stepped into those shoes, delivering a performance that earned cheers from the audience and, most importantly, a glowing response from her famous dad.
Proud Dad Moments
In a post on April 25, Principe wrote, “My daughter had one of the lead roles in the Beetlejuice Jr musical and she killed it. So proud of her. 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 #lydiadeetz #beetlejuice #musical,” tagging her as @lydiadeetz and the show’s official handle. The accompanying images show his daughter in full costume—complete with a Victorian-inspired black dress and teased hair—on a dimly lit stage, bathed in green and purple tones that evoke the spirit of Tim Burton’s original film.
Fans flooded the comments section, congratulating both the young actor and her proud father. “She looks amazing!” wrote one follower, while another added, “What an unforgettable moment.” Principe’s decision to share this chapter of his family life bridges the gap between his storied punk-rock career and the supportive presence he shows offstage.
Beetlejuice Jr’s Legacy For Young Performers
Beetlejuice Jr is part of the Junior Theatre Festival’s catalog, adapting Broadway hits for casts aged 8 to 18. The script and score are slightly trimmed and toned down, making the spooky-comedy accessible for school and community theatres. Lydia Deetz, who narrates parts of the show, has some of the most emotive songs, letting performers explore both dark humor and genuine emotion.
The original Beetlejuice musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2019, earned Tony nominations for its inventive set and choreography. Its junior version retains much of the original’s playful mischief, with characters like Beetlejuice, the Maitlands, and Adam and Barbara’s ghostly antics—minus some of the darker themes.
Principe’s daughter joins a growing list of young performers finding their first taste of the spotlight in Jr musicals. For families, these productions offer an introduction to theatre production, from set design and costumes to vocal coaching and stage direction. Across the country, community centres and schools regularly mount these shows, giving future actors a chance to test their craft in front of live audiences.
Behind The Scenes And Beyond
Although Principe is best known for delivering thunderous bass lines on stages around the world, his Instagram post shows a different facet of his life—fatherhood. In the comments, fellow bandmates and fans offered congratulations. While the bassist’s touring schedule often takes him away, those in the comments noted his dedication to balancing life on the road with family time.
As for the show itself, Beetlejuice Jr continues its run through next weekend at the Sunshine Community Theatre in Ridgewood. Tickets are nearly sold out; organizers say the performance has drawn a record young-audience turnout. Principe has promised to catch the final matinee before returning to studio sessions and upcoming tour dates with Rise Against.
What started as a social media shout-out has become a testament to how even seasoned rock musicians can find fresh pride in their children’s creative pursuits. The post reminds fans that behind every electric guitar and guttural vocal, there’s a personal story unfolding offstage—one that, in this case, celebrates new talent rising on the musical theatre scene.
Whether in a mosh pit or a theatre seat, the message is clear: family moments are worth sharing, and every powerhouse performance—no matter the age—deserves its moment in the spotlight.
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