In this new podcast, Paul chats with performers Corey Mach (who plays William Shakespeare) and Michael Canu (“Romeo”) about the incredibly high energy and fun jukebox musical “& Juliet” here for a short run. Utilizing the music of Max Martin with songs you will know very well (‘Since You Been Gone’ ‘Baby One More Time”, ‘Larger than Life’, and so much more), this high energy cast and lit up stage will have you singing along and dancing in your seat! Lots of plot surprises and you do NOT have to know anything about Shakespeare or the play (though knowing some basics enhances the laughs).

Read the review below for more info….& Juliet plays through December 15th at the Cadillac Palace and tickets may be purchased on line at: www.BroadwayinChicago.com

REVIEW: & Juliet

By: Paul Lisnek, “Behind the Curtain,” WGNRadio.com

****/4

& Juliet is Witty, Smart, and a Whole lot of Fun!

Imagine if the legendary and classic love story by Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet ended a bit differently.  Instead of Juliet meeting her demise at the end of the play, she actually lives on to give Love a second chance! That’s the premise of this incredibly fun jukebox musical (which is far better than most in that genre and we can confirm that it IS a jukebox musical because a jukebox often joins the set elements), and add the energy and brightness of “Six,” and you have an over the top evening that will have you leaving the theater singing, dancing, and with a huge smile on your face.

The idea of changing the ending comes not from Shakespeare himself, who is a leading character in this work and played authentically by Corey Mach, but from his incredibly strong wife, Anne Hathaway (perfectly captured by Teal Wicks) who makes it clear that this revised work is going to show the strength of women! Not sure how that would have gone over circa 1600, but in 2024, audiences are all in! And a strong Juliet, powerfully portrayed and vocalized by Rachel Simone Webb.

Indeed ALL of the voices in this production are powerful individually and blend together for a stunning chorus that bring new life to the iconic playlist written by Max Martin (and his various partners). Half the fun is seeing where classic songs like “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” Baby One More Time,” and others get placed to add support and sometimes whimsy to the moment.

The sets, lights and even bursts of confetti make this a party!

& Juliet may be a story from 1600, but it thrives in 2024 and will have you leave the theater asking, “Why isn’t this classic known as “Juliet & Romeo?” Indeed, women have earned top billing and this show gives it to them royally.

& Juliet is NOT to be missed but you have only until December 15th to see it at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at: www.BroadwayinChicago.com