What if Juliet didin't die? That should almost be the start of the play! & Juliet is a multi-generational story of self-discovery, empowerment and love, imagining what would happen next if Juliet hadn't ended it all over Romeo, and got a second chance at life and love - on her terms. Juliet's new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, all written by Max Martin and his collaborators. The musical features a book by David West Read, direction by Luke Sheppard and choreography by Jennifer Weber.
What saves '& Juliet' from being a lowest-common-denominator corporate byproduct is something else, something I never expected: wit.The wit operates on many levels in the director Luke Sheppard's super-poppy production, including hilarious hybrid Elizabethan costumes (by Paloma Young) that feature a codpiece the size of a snapping turtle, cotton-candy lighting (by Howard Hudson) and playful sets (by Soutra Gilmour) situating the story in a century somehow combining the 16th and ours.
The Bard takes a back seat to the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears in '& Juliet,' a jukebox musical that is being billed as a sequel to Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet,' imagining Juliet's life if she hadn't killed herself when Romeo did. The plot winds up more busy and berserk than that description, and, in any case, the show is primarily a vehicle for the hits of Max Martin.
Digital Rush:
Price: $39
Where: todaytix.com
When: Tickets for that day's performance will be available on the TodayTix app at 9 a.m. each day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Limit: Two per customer
Information: Tickets are subject to availability.
Price: $45
Where: Standing room tickets are available in person at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre box office only.
Information: Standing room tickets will only be offered for sold-out performances and are subject to availability.
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