&Juliet (Broadway & National Tour): A Pop-Powered, Cleverly Reimagined Fairytale with Modern Magic

&Juliet is a great time- now playing on Broadway and touring nationally. Image by Christianne Klein.

If you’ve ever wondered what might’ve happened if Juliet didn’t die at the end of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy- and instead launched into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment- &Juliet delivers the high-octane, hilarious answer you didn’t know you needed. This musical isn’t just a remix of history, it’s a total rewrite, with some tongue-in-cheek nods to Shakespeare’s greatest hits (jokes abound about Shakespeare’s works and common themes in his plays and sonnets). Imagine a Shakespearean world where Max Martin’s biggest pop hits become the actual dialogue, and you’re halfway to understanding the delightful madness of this show.

Still lighting up Broadway- with NSYNC’s Joey Fatone joining the cast- and now touring nationally, &Juliet is a fresh, feel-good explosion of glitter, bold reinvention, and what-if storytelling that transforms a classic into a full-blown pop party. We had a chance to catch this amazing show at The Smith Center in Las Vegas, and it was one of our favorites so far this year.

From Britney Spears to Backstreet Boys to Katy Perry, the playlist reads like a 2000s time capsule, yet somehow works seamlessly as character arcs and plot devices. The transitions from scene to song feel less like forced jukebox moments and more like natural emotional punctuation.  Half the laughs come from how perfectly the show weaves pop classics into the dialogue. Unlike Mamma Mia, where songs are performed in full, &Juliet cleverly breaks them up- transforming once-familiar solos into witty, character-driven conversations. I caught myself laughing and grinning every time a new hit dropped- half from nostalgia, half from sheer disbelief that they made it work so well.

But this isn’t just a musical for Millennials reliving their teenage years- it’s fresh, bold, and downright clever. The show is framed around Anne Hathaway (no, not that one- the original Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife), reworking her husband’s ending to give Juliet a second chance at life and love. And let me tell you- Teal Wicks as Anne Hathaway is a revelation. She’s sassy, smart, and gloriously in charge, with vocals that soar and comedic timing that made me want an entire spin-off about her and her slightly flustered husband.

Speaking of Shakespeare, the chemistry between him and Anne is electric. Their back-and-forth bickering and flirtation adds a whole other layer to the narrative- they look like they’re having a blast, and you’re right along with them. If someone greenlit a sequel just about Shakespeare and Hathaway writing more musicals together, I’d be the first in line.

As for Juliet (Rachel Simone Webb), her voice is undeniably powerful- she hits the notes, commands the ballads, and delivers the pop anthems. However, there were moments when she didn’t seem quite grounded or fully present (eight shows a week will do that). In a show brimming with bold personalities and big emotions, Juliet occasionally felt like a supporting player in her own story.

Romeo’s entrance is an instant crowd-pleaser, done boy-band style with perfectly over-the-top swagger. It’s a total throwback moment that makes zero sense historically and 100% sense theatrically. If boy bands had existed in 1594, Romeo would have led the charge.

The rest of the cast absolutely shines- every role is played with tongue-in-cheek humor and a surprising amount of heart. The ensemble is tight, the choreography sparkles, and there’s not a weak link in the bunch. The François and May storyline brings unexpected charm and laughs, and the subplot with François’ father, Lance, and the Nurse (Angelique) adds even more heart to the show’s feel-good energy.

Bottom line? &Juliet is fun, fearless, and fabulous. A modern remix of history, wrapped in glitter and powered by some of the biggest hits of a generation. If you’re looking for a show that will make you laugh, cheer, and have a great time- this is the one.

Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.

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