Riley McDonald’s drawing of Alex Brightman as Beetlejuice. PHOTO COURTESY OF RILEY McDONALD
Originally published in the Pottsville Republican-Herald on April 18, 2022.
Riley McDonald says that she is an artist because art allows her to escape reality.
In a truly unreal twist, one of the 16-year-old Nativity BVM High School junior’s drawings has made it all the way to Broadway.
“Beetlejuice,” the musical based on the hit 1988 film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, held a fan art contest to celebrate its April 8 reopening at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre.
The best art would be put on display at the theater. Shortly after midnight April 6, McDonald discovered that her drawing was among the chosen few.
“I immediately burst into tears because I was so excited,” she said. “It feels very fulfilling to have my art featured at the theater. I am so honored to be chosen.”
McDonald’s watercolor painting was based on a Davy Mack photo of actor Alex Brightman as the title character.
“I really appreciate her passion and admire her dedication to art and musical theater,” said Riley’s mother, Lora. “Most people only see the end result of an art project or a performance. It often looks easy. They don’t see the hours upon hours of work that an artist puts in to get it to look like that.”
Lora said that Riley often has to choose between art and social activities.
“Without fail, she always chooses the latter because it is where her heart is,” Lora said. “That’s why I was so happy for her when she had her artwork selected for the ‘Beetlejuice’ mural because I know how much work she put into it and how much it means to her.”
“Beetlejuice” has achieved a cult status comparable with other macabre musicals such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Riley, who saw “Beetlejuice” in October 2019, considers herself a fan.
Riley at an October 2019 performance of “Beetlejuice.” PHOTO COURTESY OF RILEY McDONALD
“I love everything about the show,” she said, “the music, the lighting, the set design and the overall message of the show. ‘Beetlejuice’s’ fanbase is truly strange and unusual, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.”
Riley is a member of Spotlight Kidz, a local performing arts group. Spotlight Kidz director Sandy Kost-Sterner encouraged her to enter the contest.
Riley plans to attend college and major in musical theater — and see “Beetlejuice” on Broadway a second time.
“I can’t wait to see the show again and see the mural in person!” she said.
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