NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — While “Romeo and Juliet” is the epitome of a romantic tragedy, have you ever wondered what would happen if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?
An award-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek” flipped the script of the world’s most famous love story to create “& Juliet,” a jukebox musical filled with iconic hits from the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and more.
“& Juliet” will whisk you away on a fabulous journey as Juliet forgoes her famous ending for a fresh start and a second chance at both life and love. This comedy is driven by a theme of female empowerment, as well as a playlist of pop anthems from the 1990s to the 2010s — including “Larger Than Life,” “Baby One More Time,” “Since U Been Gone,” “That’s the Way It Is,” and “Roar” — from the songwriter/producer behind more No. 1 hits than any other artist of the century.
This show give more depth to the characters we already know from “Romeo and Juliet” while also introducing new ones, including William Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway, who questions the original play’s ending from the get go. As a result, the famous playwright and his wife reimagine his masterpiece live on stage, not only inserting themselves into their creation, but also breaking the fourth wall to bicker about the direction of the show because, as sung multiple times, “I Want It That Way.”
Many elements of “& Juliet” would be extremely scandalous for a 16th century audience, like the combination of Elizabethan fashion and modern style in the costumes; the progressive themes and contemporary language in the script; the hip-hop dance numbers; and the diverse cast, including the fact that female roles are actually played by women. On the other hand, the show pokes fun at parts of “Romeo and Juliet” that would shock a 21st century audience, like Juliet being 13 years old when she met, fell in love with, and married Romeo in the span of a few days before their tale came to a tragic end.
If you want to see the show for yourself, there will be several more performances at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) through Sunday, Feb. 16. Tickets are available online.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, “& Juliet” offers plenty of laughter and — depending on your age — musical nostalgia. However, given the use of expletives and suggestive humor, the recommended age for attendees is at least 8 years old.
As written on the production’s website, “Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.”
