What if Juliet had decided that her story didn’t have to end with Romeo? That question is at the heart of & Juliet, the energetic jukebox musical that brings a very different ending to Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy. Currently playing at Calgary’s Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, the Broadway Across Canada production turns Romeo and Juliet into a colourful, high-energy celebration of pop music, independence and second chances.

The biggest attraction is undoubtedly the music. The show uses songs written or produced by Max Martin, whose enormous catalogue includes hits associated with Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys and many other major pop stars. Songs such as "Since U Been Gone," "Roar," "Baby One More Time," "Larger Than Life" and "Can’t Stop the Feeling!" are woven into the story in a way that makes sense. The audience’s laughter at how the songs tie in is wonderful.

The concept somehow works, in part due to the script by Schitts Creek writer David West Read. It’s a very smartly written show, with clever jokes, frequently poking fun at Shakespeare, musical-theatre conventions and the absurdity of trying to fit modern pop songs into a centuries-old story. There is also considerably more beneath the glitter than might initially be expected. The musical explores ideas about independence, identity, relationships and the importance of deciding your own future. One of the key characters is May, the non-binary best friend of Juliet. A character that could be played as a caricature for laughs instead is delivered with heart and humour. How their story unfolds, leading to an emotional rendition of "Shape of My Heart" is one of the highlights of the show. Its inclusive cast of characters gives the familiar Shakespearean story a distinctly modern perspective.

For anyone who grew up hearing these songs on the radio, the soundtrack provides an immediate dose of nostalgia. Even when the plot becomes deliberately silly, the familiar melodies keep the energy high. The audience is encouraged to recognize the songs; laugh at the unexpected ways they are used and enjoy the spectacle.

The production certainly does not hold back visually. & Juliet embraces bright colours, elaborate costumes, large dance numbers and a deliberately exaggerated pop-concert aesthetic. The choreography is one of the production’s strongest elements, with the ensemble bringing impressive energy to the stage. Rather than trying to imitate a traditional Shakespeare production, the show confidently creates its own world.

Ultimately, & Juliet is less interested in Shakespearean tragedy than it is in having a great time. When it all comes together, it is arguably one of the best non-biographical jukebox musicals every created. The jokes and physical comedy are so rapid-fire that a repeat viewing will probably reveal some more subtle aspects – for example there are a lot of William Shakespeare shenanigans going on in the background that the audience may not notice the first time. & Juliet has an endearing quality that will likely see it returning over the decades and probably be part of the 2045 Broadway Across Canada season.

The production delivers exactly what the show promises: a celebration of familiar music wrapped in a playful new version of Romeo and Juliet. It may not offer the dramatic depth of Shakespeare's original, but it doesn't really try to. Instead, & Juliet asks a simple question—what happens when Juliet gets to write her own next chapter? and turns the answer into an incredible night of theatre.

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Broadway Across Canada | Theatre |