Ovation School of Musical Theatre campers present 'Beetlejuice Jr.'

To get into her character of Lydia Deetz in "Beetlejuice Jr.," Lakewood Ranch's Lara Zoppe thought of a type of grief she hasn't had to experience in real life: the death of her mother. 

"I always like to take a couple of moments to think about what would happen if I lost my mother," Zoppe said. "How would I feel? I try to let that thought impact most of my actions and emotions throughout the show, because that's really what drives her (character)." 

Zoppe was among other summer campers who attended Ovation School of Musical Theatre for a four-week camp to learn roles in "Beetlejuice Jr.," which was performed four times from July 24-26.

Sarasota 17-year-old Henry Mills played the lead role of Beetlejuice, which marked his first performance at Ovation. He said making his voice raspy for the role put quite the strain on his vocal chords, but it was well worth it.

"My mom, (Carrie Mills), teaches theater, so it's in my blood," Mills said. "I've been interested in it since I could actually understand the music, what was being said and the message being portrayed." 

The show was directed, choreographed and designed by Ovation's Michelle McCord. She said she was a bit hesitant to do "Beetlejuice Jr.," but eventually she was glad she did. 

She described the musical as hilarious, fun, clever and well written.

"I've enjoyed directing it very much, and I have a wonderful cast," McCord said of the campers. "They have a great connection to each other. I'm so proud of them."