‘& Juliet’ Electrifies Playhouse Square: A Pop-Fueled Reimagining of shakespeare
CLEVELAND,Ohio – Forget any preconceived notions about jukebox musicals or the need for disclaimers based on your affection for 2000s pop. “& Juliet,” currently playing at Playhouse Square through March 23, transcends expectations. The production is an exhilarating experience, delivering a thoroughly enjoyable time for theatergoers. The musical cleverly weaves together the timeless narrative of “Romeo & Juliet” with an remarkable catalogue of pop hits, primarily crafted by Max Martin.
Max Martin’s extensive work includes chart-toppers for iconic artists such as *NSYNC, Kesha, Bon Jovi, Pink, and The Weeknd. The show also features five Britney Spears numbers, including songs from the movie “Crossroads.” This isn’t just a nostalgic trip; it’s a powerful theatrical experience that speaks to contemporary issues while honoring the classic tale.
A Play Within a Play: Shakespeare Meets Max Martin
The scene unfolds not in fair Verona, but backstage at a London theater. William Shakespeare, portrayed by Strongsville native Corey Mach, is preparing to unveil his new tragedy. His wife, Anne, played by Teal Wicks, offers a critical viewpoint, questioning the necessity of Juliet’s demise.
Are you a strong enough man to wriet a stronger woman?
This challenge sparks a creative tug-of-war, leading to a reimagining of the play’s final act. The revised story emphasizes new beginnings, female empowerment, and, of course, familiar pop anthems. the play within a play then springs to life before the audience.
Juliet, brought to life by Rachel Simone Webb, chooses not to end her life after feigning death. Rather, she discovers that Romeo, played by Michael Canu, was not the ideal partner. Seeking a fresh start and avoiding her parents’ plan to send her to a nunnery, Juliet escapes to Paris with her best friend, May (portrayed by Baldwin Wallace alum Nick Drake), and her nurse, Angélique (Kathryn Allison).
love, Loss, and Laughter in the City of Light
In Paris, they encounter François (BW alum Mateus Leite cardoso), a shy musician, and his domineering father, Lance (Berea native paul-jordan Jansen). As Will and Anne alternately write and rewrite the narrative, the characters’ fates shift dramatically. By the end of the first act, Juliet, May, and Francois find themselves entangled in a love triangle, Angélique and Lance become romantically involved, and Romeo makes a surprising return from the dead. The central question remains: which version of Shakespeare’s story will prevail?
Unlike many jukebox musicals that awkwardly force songs into a storyline, “& Juliet” seamlessly integrates Max Martin’s extensive catalog. The songs naturally complement the narrative’s emotional landscape. Shakespeare’s defense of his original version is punctuated by the Backstreet Boys’ “I want It That Way,” while Juliet’s feelings of loneliness are expressed through Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time.” Romeo’s curiosity about Juliet’s life after his absence is perfectly captured by kelly Clarkson.
The musical’s charm extends beyond its clever song choices. David West Read’s script is filled with humor reminiscent of “Schitt’s Creek,” the Emmy-winning sitcom where he served as a writer and executive producer. Corey Mach’s portrayal of Shakespeare provides many of the show’s comedic highlights,as the boastful playwright constantly reminds the audience of his contributions to the english language.
Emotional Depth and modern Sensibilities
Despite its meta and fourth-wall-breaking style, “& Juliet” explores genuine emotional themes. May’s journey as a nonbinary character seeking self-discovery is notably moving, with Drake’s heartfelt rendition of Britney Spears’ “I’m Not a Girl, not Yet a Woman” resonating deeply.Anne’s lament over her strained marriage, expressed through Celine Dion’s “That’s The Way it Is,” provides a poignant and heartbreaking moment.
The cast delivers outstanding performances across the board. Rachel Simone Webb shines as Juliet, embodying strength, spunk, and vulnerability, while showcasing her impressive vocal range in Jessie J’s “One more Try” and Katy Perry’s “Roar.” Jansen and Allison bring warmth and humor to their roles as Lance and Angélique, respectively, with their performances of “Teenage Dream” and “Break Free.” Canu’s portrayal of Romeo is convincingly quirky and endearing.
Director Luke Sheppard infuses the production with energy and excitement,creating visually stunning moments such as suspending Juliet on a chandelier and a Ferris wheel. Jennifer Weber’s dynamic choreography, reminiscent of music videos, and Paloma Young’s modern Elizabethan costumes, along with Soutra Gilmour’s whimsical set design, contribute to the immersive experience.
A Dazzling Triumph
While “& Juliet” may initially appeal to millennials who grew up watching “Total Request Live” and were captivated by “Moulin Rouge,” its appeal extends far beyond that demographic. The show is a dazzling and joyful triumph, reimagining a classic love story with a modern sensibility, sharp wit, and a heartfelt message, all set to an irresistible beat.
“& Juliet” is playing at the Connor Palace, 1615 Euclid ave., Cleveland, through March 23. Tickets, $40-$139, are available at playhousesquare.org.
&Juliet: A Pop-Infused Shakespearean revolution? An Exclusive Interview
Did you know that a jukebox musical using primarily Max Martin’s pop catalog could revitalize Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, sparking a conversation about female empowerment and challenging conventional narratives? Let’s delve into this surprising theatrical phenomenon with Dr. Eleanor vance, a renowned expert in musical theater adaptations and contemporary Shakespearean interpretations.
World-Today-News.com: Dr. Vance, ” &Juliet” reimagines a classic tale through a distinctly modern lens.How does this production succeed in blending the timeless with the contemporary?
Dr. Vance: The success of “&Juliet” lies in its masterful integration of Max Martin’s incredibly popular music catalog with Shakespeare’s narrative framework. Rather than simply shoehorning songs into the plot, the musical cleverly uses the music to amplify the emotional arcs of the characters and to underscore the themes of female empowerment and self-discovery. This is achieved by thoughtfully selecting songs that resonate with and directly reflect the characters’ emotional journeys, creating a surprisingly harmonious marriage of classic storytelling and modern musical sensibility. The use of songs like Britney Spears’ “…Baby One more Time” to express loneliness, and Katy Perry’s “Roar” to symbolize Juliet’s newfound strength, is a testament to this careful approach. It’s a refined example of thematic resonance between music and narrative. The production demonstrates that effective adaptation isn’t about replacing the original, but enhancing it through a relevant contemporary lens.
World-Today-News.com: The meta-theatrical element, with Shakespeare himself involved in rewriting his own play, adds another layer of complexity. How does this framing enhance the overall message?
Dr. Vance: The “play within a play” structure of “&Juliet” is brilliantly executed. it allows the production to directly address the very issues of sexism and patriarchal constraints present in Shakespeare’s original work. By introducing Shakespeare and his wife Anne as active participants in rewriting the narrative, the show fosters a dialog about creative limitations, societal expectations, and the enduring power of female agency.Anne’s challenge to Shakespeare – “Are you a strong enough man to write a stronger woman?” – becomes the driving force for the reimagining of juliet’s story. This meta-theatrical framework doesn’t just present a new narrative; it encourages the audience to critically examine the source material and its inherent biases.
world-Today-News.com: The musical tackles themes of female empowerment, non-binary identity, and alternative love stories. How does “&Juliet” navigate these sensitive topics in an accessible and impactful way?
dr. Vance: “&Juliet” masterfully handles these complex themes without being preachy or didactic. It does so by showcasing authentic character development and relatable personal journeys. May’s journey as a non-binary character, such as, is handled with sensitivity and depth, providing a nuanced representation of self-discovery and identity formation.The incorporation of Britney Spears’ “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” perfectly encapsulates May’s journey and challenges societal norms, demonstrating how seemingly simple songs can effectively address powerful themes. The musical showcases various romantic relationships, highlighting the complexities of love, loss, and the diverse expressions of romantic partnerships. It avoids simplistic portrayals of relationships and rather presents multifaceted scenarios that mirror the reality of diverse romantic experiences.
World-Today-News.com: What makes “&Juliet” stand out from other jukebox musicals and how does it appeal to modern audiences?
Dr. Vance: Unlike many jukebox musicals which often feel like a string of disconnected songs, “&Juliet” cleverly integrates its musical numbers into the narrative, forming an integral part of the storytelling process. It doesn’t rely on nostalgia alone; it generates its own momentum through a sharp, witty script and strong performances.The modern set design, the dynamic choreography, and the charismatic cast all contribute to a holistic theatrical experience that caters to a wide range of audience members. The production cleverly employs elements of humor and romance, appealing to a broader audience including Millennials and Gen Z, while also capturing the attention of seasoned theatregoers appreciating a fresh perspective on Shakespeare’s classics.
World-Today-News.com: What are the key takeaways from “&Juliet” that resonate beyond the theatrical experience?
Dr. Vance: “&Juliet” offers several key takeaways:
The enduring power of storytelling: The show highlights how stories can be reinterpreted and reimagined to reflect changing societal values while still retaining the core emotional elements that made the original compelling.
Female empowerment and self-discovery: The production empowers female characters to take control of their destinies and challenge conventional gender roles.
The inclusivity of modern love: It celebrates diverse romantic relationships and champions self-acceptance and self-love.
The importance of adaptation: The musical demonstrates how classic stories can continue to hold power and relevance through adaptation to contemporary contexts and audiences.
World-Today-News.com: Thank you, Dr. Vance, for your insightful perspective.
Final Thought: “&Juliet” is more than just a jukebox musical; it is indeed a reimagining of a classic tale through a modern lens, tackling contemporary issues with humor, heart, and an irresistible pop soundtrack. Share your thoughts on this innovative production in the comments below or on social media using #AndJulietMusical!