In 2022, & Juliet opened on Broadway to a mixed reception. While some praised the jukebox musical for a lively atmosphere and diverse casting, others called it surface-level. Following the pandemic, many productions have struggled to stay afloat, with many shows closing after short runs. So how, then, has & Juliet managed to keep going?
To put it simply: it’s fun. While the Shakespearean play is a tragedy, & Juliet doesn’t take itself too seriously. Featuring hit songs from producer Max Martin, the discography ranges from the 90s to today. “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” brings the audience to their feet, momentarily turning the Stephen Sondheim Theatre into a boy band concert. The theatrical arrangement of Kesha’s “Blow” is paired with a Parisian club scene, complete with bright lights and chandelier swinging. The songs fit themselves into the narrative with ease, and you can’t help but bop your head to the familiar tunes.
One of the strong points of this production is its acting performances. Our main character Juliet, played by Maya Boyd, is confident, if not a little naive. She makes an unlikely pairing to Betsy Wolfe’s Anne Hathaway—Shakespeare’s wife, not the Hollywood actress—who is a delicate balance of awkward and honest. The show thrives in its softer moments, like in one of my favorite scenes featuring Britney Spears’ ballad “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman.” May (Justin David Sullivan, but I saw understudy Michael Ivan Carrier) uses this song to explore their gender identity and dysphoria with a soulful contemplation.
On the surface, this is a story about Juliet’s life after Romeo. But, in the first few minutes, it becomes apparent that it’s also about the real-life rocky marriage between Shakespeare and Anne. That shifts the narrative to something a bit more quick-witted and authentic than your typical jukebox musical. It’s a coming-of-age story about a girl paving her own way, but it’s also about second chances, queer celebration, and what it means to be human.
While & Juliet can feel a bit Disney Channel at times, it’s okay to lean into the teenage dream for a night. We won’t tell anyone you sang along.
