Get ready for a Broadway shake-up! Internet sensation Trisha Paytas is trading her YouTube throne for the bright lights of the Palace Theatre, making her Broadway debut as 'Maxine Dean' in the wildly popular Beetlejuice: The Musical. But here's where it gets controversial: can a digital star truly conquer the traditional stage? Let’s dive in and find out.
From November 4 to November 23, Paytas will step into the role of Maxine Dean, sharing the stage with the talented Sharone Sayegh, who will continue as 'Juno' during Paytas’ run before reclaiming her dual role as 'Maxine Dean/Juno' on November 25. This isn’t Paytas’ first foray into live performance—in 2024, she sold out a 30+ city tour with The Eras of Trish, proving her ability to captivate audiences beyond the screen. But Broadway? That’s a whole new ballgame.
Trisha Paytas is no stranger to versatility. Over the past 18 years, she’s built an empire as a creator, podcast host, actress, and vocalist, amassing over 20 million fans and 2 billion views on YouTube. From ASMR and mukbangs to music videos and personal monologues, Paytas has done it all. She’s also graced over 50 TV shows and movies, including The Tonight Show, America’s Got Talent, Modern Family, and Celebrity Big Brother UK. Her Broadway debut in 2025, Trisha Paytas’ Big Broadway Dream, was a star-studded benefit concert featuring Sutton Foster, Ben Platt, and Rachel Zegler. But will her digital fame translate to Broadway acclaim? And this is the part most people miss: Broadway has a history of embracing unconventional stars, but not all transitions are seamless.
Beetlejuice: The Musical itself is a spectacle, with a limited 13-week resurrection engagement running through January 3, 2026. The show boasts a stellar cast, including Justin Collette as Beetlejuice, Isabella Esler as Lydia, and Megan McGinnis as Barbara. The ensemble also features Patrick Oliver Jones, Travis Mitchell, and Vanessa Aurora Sierra, among others. But with Paytas joining the lineup, the spotlight is sure to shift—for better or worse.
Here’s the burning question: Can Trisha Paytas, a digital native, truly shine on Broadway’s storied stage? Or will the transition highlight the divide between online fame and traditional theater? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
