Who do you play in BEETLEJUICE?
Maxie Dean (and others, including a mourner, the cigar guy and, yep, a tap dancing UPS delivery guy!)
Travis as Maxie Dean
Tell us a little bit about your character?
Maxie is a real estate mogul who comes to Charles and Delia’s home as they are trying to get him to invest in they’re “gated community”.
How was the rehearsal process?
Mine was a little different than your typical rehearsal process. I performed the role of Charles in Beetlejuice on Norwegian Cruise Lines for the first half of 2024. When I finished that contract, the ensemble track that I’m currently in became available. I was asked to audition and got the job. I had a week of rehearsal in New York City and then joined the tour in Hershey, PA for a week of rehearsal on the road. Then I opened October 3rd in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
How is life on the road?
Any favorite spots you’ve visited so far? This is my fifth national tour, so I’ve gotten pretty good at living on the road. I, of course, miss my home and my wife Juliana when I’m away, but I really do love seeing the country. Favorite spots? I love some of the bigger cities: Chicago, New Orleans, Toronto. Also really enjoyed being in Alaska last winter and going dog sledding and hiking on glaciers. Super fun.
Travis in Alaska
What is your pre-show ritual?
I don’t like to rush. Even though we don’t need to be at the theatre until a half hour before the show, I usually arrive between 45 and 60 minutes before the show. I settle in, warm up vocally and take my time getting ready.
Travis as mourner
Favorite moment in the show?
Every time we do the iconic dinner scene, I’m pinching myself that I get to perform in this show day in and day out. (*spoiler*) Dancing in the conga line and singing “Daylight come and me wanna go home” is just a ridiculous amount of fun. Also, I love meeting people at the stage door. So many people who come out after the show who want an autograph or a quick conversation… It really moves me. I remember doing that as a kid with touring shows coming through and it is such a kick to be on the other side of it.
Where are you from originally & where did you train as a performer?
Originally from DePere, Wisconsin (just outside of Green Bay) and got my BFA in Acting at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. But I continue to take voice lessons and acting classes whenever I’m back in New York City.
Travis and his wife Juliana
Can you tell us about how you got into performing arts?
My very first show was when I was ten years old. I played Mr. Curry (the bad guy) in a production of Paddington Bear. I’d auditioned because a girl I had a crush on was gonna be in it and I thought “why not?”. My first professional show was at a dinner theatre in Appleton, Wisconsin, in the ensemble of “Annie” and “The Sound of Music” when I was 16.
Travis as Cigar Guy
What piece of advice would you give to young aspiring performers?
I could write a novel about this one. Short answers: Be kind. To everyone. Have incredible work ethic and always be bettering your craft and yourself. Always say yes, even if it isn’t the role you wanted. Get rid of your drama and BS. Your talent will get you your first job. But you HAVE to be the first person a director thinks of and wants to work with again for a project down the road.
Travis in Beetlejuice, production shot by Matthew Murphy
Ever been to Cleveland before?
I’ve never performed at Playhouse Square, but I was in Cleveland in 2023 with a short film at an indy short film festival here. Love the city!
Why should audiences come and see Beetlejuice?
So damn entertaining! It’s uproariously funny, yes, but also has some real heart to it that I think everyone can relate to. It’s a show that was wildly enjoyed by my 81 year old father who isn’t a huge musical theatre fan, my 17 year old “typical teenage” nephew and everyone in between. The songs are great, the company (cast, crew and musicians) are incredible, the sets, costumes and special effects are next level and it’s just a wonderful two and a half hour escape. Also, you’ll laugh your ass off.
