On August 13,2025, & Juliet opened at the Ahmanson Theatre to roars of approval from an audience of all ages and ilks. And rightly so, it communicated to baby boomers, Shakespeare elite’s, LGBTQ+ audiences, afficionados of music from the 90’s and 2000’s, and, most importantly, a new generation coming into its own.
Like Schitt’s Creek, David West Read’s book for & Juliet is witty, playful, and unapologetically “kitchen sink.” It’s a jukebox musical that offers more than one can absorb in a single sitting. So you may find yourself wanting to see it again and again to catch all the nuances and double entendres.
Corey Mach and Teal Wicks in the North American Tour of “& Juliet” – Photo by Matthew Murphy.
The score, made up of instantly recognizable hits by Max Martin (Grammy Award–winning songwriter and producer) and collaborators, features the music of Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, and more. These songs help tell a modern, Renaissance story. The show, packed with energy, humor, and poignant moments of recognition, reframes Shakespeare’s classic through Anne Hathaway’s imaginative quill.
Anne—played by the spirited, fabulously outspoken redhead, Teal Wicks, spars with her handsome yet clueless husband, Shakespeare, played by the charming Corey Mach. The premise asks: What if Juliet’s story didn’t end in tragedy? What if Shakespeare’s wife got the last word? Shakespeare’s recognition of what women really want, what they need, and how relationships evolve becomes a journey worth taking.
Mateus Leite Cardoso and Rachel Webb in the North American tour of “& Juliet” – Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Juliet, embodied by the talented young triple threat Rachel Webb, sheds her innocence with bold surprises, belting out her call to seize her own life. Her counterpart Romeo (Ben Jackson Walker) is hilariously absent through much of the story until he reappears—uninvited, like a lovesick apparition—he brings delightful silliness. Mateus Leite Cardoso lends charm to the introverted François, who finds unexpected courage, while Nick Drake’s sprite-like May lights up the stage with every entrance and exit. Kathryn Allison’s Angelique earns our cheers for second chances, and Paul-Jordan Jansen’s booming baritone nearly redeems the overbearing father, Lance.
Michael Canu and the company in the North American tour of “& Juliet” – Photo by Matthew Murphy.
UK Director, Luke Sheppard, expertly unfolds the story with a creative and willing eye to keeping the tale unfolding organically, even in this fantastical reworking. His dynamic, and in some cases, complicated staging, most likely in cooperation with choreographer Jennifer Weber, successfully integrates the hard hitting Pop and hip hop style with stage and Broadway moves that naturally allow telling the story and getting the audience up and out of their seats, as Weber recalls.
Paul Jordan Jansen and Kathryn Allison in the North American tour of “& Juliet” – Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Visually, the production dazzles. Soutra Gilmour’s inventive sets and Paloma Young’s eclectic costumes collide with Renaissance Verona and today’s pop culture in an explosion of glitter, neon, and unapologetic theatricality. And, beneath all that sparkle, however, beats a surprisingly tender heart—a story of conflict and reconciliation, as Shakespeare and Anne reshape not only Juliet’s fate but their own marriage. Alongside this, we witness other’s poignant recognition and a separate rekindling of old forgotten flames.
The cast—an exuberant, multi-talented ensemble of various sizes, shapes and identities keeps the stage electric, balancing humor with engaging sincerity and overpowering energy and commitment. Young or old, rich and poor, the audience is invited to see themselves in Juliet’s transformation.
The company of the North American tour of “& Juliet” – Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Even if you didn’t grow up on 1990s and 2000s pop, the infectious energy of & Juliet pulls you in. It’s a fun, familiar, and surprisingly thoughtful night at the theatre—one that leaves you dancing in your seat or in the aisles, while reflecting on how far we’ve come.
Go see it. This is a glittery joyful live theatre happening. It’s a unifying theatre experience at its delightful best, at a time when we need it most.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Ahmanson Theatre’s website.
Written by Joanne DiVito for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Corey Mach and the company of the North American tour of “& Juliet” – Photo by Matthew Murphy.
