Shakespeare gets a pop redux in the joyful musical & Juliet
& Juliet
THEATRE REVIEW
By Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago
THEATRE REVIEW
By Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago
Wow! I’ve been waiting a long time for & Juliet and let me just say this tour is everything I wanted and more! The show is a brilliant mix of pop hits that have defined the past twenty five years interwoven with a Shakespearian classic that we all know or have read. Who knew the lyrics of a Backstreet Boys song or Britney Spears tune could so perfectly match how we imagine these characters could feel if the limits of their feeling and experiences weren’t tied to a different time?
& Juliet has taken audiences by storm with its vibrant energy, catchy pop music, and a storyline that gives Juliet a chance to rewrite her own fate. Originally a hit in London’s West End, then a smash on Broadway (where it continues to play), it is now now a must-see touring production. The show brings a fresh, fun twist to the classic romance, mixing Shakespearean drama with some of the biggest pop hits of the 90s and early 2000s from Max Martin who created iconic hits for Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson and more.
& Juliet has taken audiences by storm with its vibrant energy, catchy pop music, and a storyline that gives Juliet a chance to rewrite her own fate. Originally a hit in London’s West End, then a smash on Broadway (where it continues to play), it is now now a must-see touring production. The show brings a fresh, fun twist to the classic romance, mixing Shakespearean drama with some of the biggest pop hits of the 90s and early 2000s from Max Martin who created iconic hits for Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson and more.
photo courtesy of Broadway in Chicago
The result of this musical mash-up is a wildly entertaining, upbeat musical that feels both nostalgic and brand new. In the show, we see William Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway (yes her name become a punchline in the show) pivot the story of Romeo & Juliet, when the ending we all know doesn't sit right with Anne. Instead of succumbing to her demise, Anne devises a new journey for Juliet that includes a colorful group of friends who foster an adventure of self-discovery and empowerment. The musical reimagines the aftermath of her tragic romance, allowing Juliet to explore her own desires, find new love, and redefine what happiness looks like and taking her friends along for the ride to redefine their own stories.
The touring cast of the & Juliet tour shines with talent, energy, and charisma. Juliet (Rachel Simone Webb) captures both the vulnerability and strength of the character that we expect to see in modern times and wish she had this power in the 1500’s when the story was first published. The duo of Shakespeare (Corey Mach) and Anne Hathaway (Teal Wicks) strike comedy gold with their dynamic and performances. The story also gets a big boost from Juliet’s friends May (Nick Drake) and Angelique (Kathryn Allison) who make the perfect trifecta of friends all going on different empowerment journeys.
& Juliet is a brilliant mix of pop culture & classic literature that captivates us to empower ourselves and rewrite our own stories
The touring cast of the & Juliet tour shines with talent, energy, and charisma. Juliet (Rachel Simone Webb) captures both the vulnerability and strength of the character that we expect to see in modern times and wish she had this power in the 1500’s when the story was first published. The duo of Shakespeare (Corey Mach) and Anne Hathaway (Teal Wicks) strike comedy gold with their dynamic and performances. The story also gets a big boost from Juliet’s friends May (Nick Drake) and Angelique (Kathryn Allison) who make the perfect trifecta of friends all going on different empowerment journeys.
& Juliet is a brilliant mix of pop culture & classic literature that captivates us to empower ourselves and rewrite our own stories
photo courtesy of photo courtesy of Broadway in Chicago
4 stars (out of four)
& Juliet
Now Playing through December 15
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 West Randolph
Chicago, Illinois
www.broadwayinchicago.com
& Juliet
Now Playing through December 15
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 West Randolph
Chicago, Illinois
www.broadwayinchicago.com