Moran’s Pub takes Halloween decor to a devilishly delightful new level with “Beetlejames,” a month-long pop-up and art exhibition inspired by the 1988 film Beetlejuice. The name is a play-on-words – as well as a legal necessity – that nods to James Moran, the tavern’s owner.
For four months, “Beetlejames” curator Lauren Marvell haunted thrift shops, Dollar Trees and craft stores to create dozens of items and sets that are in the Tim Burton film. Such creations include life-size characters including Adam, Barbara, smoking man, Miss Argentina, Harry the Hunter and the surly star of the show – everyone’s favorite deviant bio-exorcist – Beetlejuice.
Superfans of the film will especially appreciate a shrimp hand sculpture, a Zagnut bar throw pillow, miniature displays (created by Charlie Nash), a 6-foot tall tombstone (made by local artists JR Witt and EmmaLea Marvell) and more. Many of the items in the exhibit are for sale. Guests can bid on them and silent auction winners will be notified on Halloween night.
Marvell watched the film approximately 30 times for artistic inspiration. She also watched the film with the other artists and assistants.
"I cannot stress enough how much this was a team effort. Not only did other artists get involved, but I have a group of friends who we call 'The Beetle Crew.' They helped me out immensely," says Marvell.
The back room of Moran’s is now “The Waiting Room,” per a favorite scene in the film, which is ideal for people to take selfies with characters.
“We want people to really get involved and interact,” says Marvell.
Throughout the month, Moran’s will host Beetlejuice-inspired drinks and events.
A special “Drinks for the Recently Deceased” menu features a bevy of beetle-tastic libations like Sandworm Storm, a thriller of a take on the classic Pimm’s Cup No. 1; a violet-colored potion called The Juno; A Dark Room that’s reminiscent of a Dark & Stormy and more. Many of the drinks aptly come with a black-and-white striped straw.
Moran’s will host more than a dozen Beetlejames events this month, including two Beetle Brunches; sip and crafts; Waiting Room Party (come dressed in a lighthearted, creative costume of how you’re going to kick the bucket); drinks and dessert pairings (featuring the culinary creations of neighbors Bakehouse 23); jigsaw puzzle competition; Spooky Sweetest Day; Beetlejuice and Halloween trivia; and more. For all the details go here.
“This is an opportunity to have fun and not take life too seriously,” says Marvell.
Moran’s is a family-owned Irish pub, sports bar and community gathering place that’s been around since 1995. It’s open Tuesday-Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday from 9 a.m. (for soccer games) until close; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Here are 11 more pics from the Beetlejames Pop-Up Experience:
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
