Broadway Musical '& Juliet' Puts A Pop Spin on Shakespeare's Beloved Tragedy
The Tony-nominated Broadway musical puts a modern spin and updates the classic tale of Romeo & Juliet for a new generation, punctuated with pop hits.
We all know the tragic tale of Romeo & Juliet — Starcrossed lovers who met their demise in the face of warring families. It's a classic story that has been interpreted and performed countless of times in every form of media from movies to theatre. The first thing we noticed when we found out about the Tony-nominated Broadway musical, & Juliet coming to Singapore was the absence of "Romeo" in the title. This is the audiences' first clue that this tale of Romeo & Juliet is unlike any other.
& Juliet refocuses the tragic love story on the main female protagonist, interpreting the story through a modern lens and posing the question, "What if Juliet didn't kill herself?". A question that was verbalised by William Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway in the show itself. She then takes the literal and metaphorical quill off of Shakespeare and writes how Juliet's like could've been had she not tragically taken her own life. The result is a story rooted in the women empowerment, shining light on LGBTQIA+ issues and independence — A far cry from the tragedy penned by the iconic playwright.
With & Juliet being in Singapore for a limited run, here are 3 reasons to catch the stellar show before it's too late!
The Soundtrack is a Bop
First and foremost, the vocal performances of the entire cast accompanied by a live band was truly one of the biggest highlights of the show. The entire Aussie cast including lead actress, Lorinda May Merrypor show off their impressive pipes, flawlessly belting iconic pop tunes from the likes of Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson and many more. It's both surprising and delightful how the lyrics are cleverly weaved into each scene and how different the songs sounded after being given the "Broadway treatment". It hearkens back to shows like Glee with its camp feel. Each song felt familiar yet different enough and got the diverse crowd of varying ages grooving in their seats throughout its two-hour run time. In fact, by the end of the show, the cast had the audience on their feet, dancing to their rendition of Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop The Feeling".
Looking Back through a Modern Lens
It's always a delicate balance when it comes to bringing old stories into the modern era as it can often backfire by sounding too preachy or pushy. While & Juliet does heavily address issues of sexism and discrimination in its writing, it is also extremely self-aware. The show often breaks the fourth wall and is not afraid to make fun of itself. This comedic and less serious approach prevents & Juliet from becoming too overbearing or preachy with the social issues they are bringing forth. At the heart of it is a universal message of independence and the courage to carve your own destiny, which is communicated in a fun yet inspiring way. Audiences may come away from the show with not just pop tunes stuck in their head, but also some food for thought.
Stellar Set Pieces and Costumes
Another highlight for us would be the set design, innovative set changes and light design that is truly world class. Set designer Soutra Gilmour pulled out all the stops, injecting vibrancy, colour and a smidge of camp to every set piece. From Juliet swinging from an actual chandelier to a 16th century "club" with a DJ, every scene transition and set piece punctuates the show's stellar production, honing on spectacle and fun. This extends to costumes as well where more historically accurate pieces such as corset gowns are mixed with modern, rock 'n' roll elements such as sneakers, pants, leather jackets and more. The result is a yassified, visual spectacle filled with personality and charm that will make you leave the theatre with a giant grin.
'& Juliet' will be playing at the Sands Theatre in Marina Bay Sands from September 21 to October 15. Tickets are available at SISTIC ranging from $68 to $238.
