Displaying items by tag: David West Read
NSYNC SUPERSTAR JOEY FATONE TO JOIN THE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR OF & JULIET AS ‘LANCE’ FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT
|
The producers of & Juliet and Broadway In Chicago announced today that pop music superstar Joey Fatone will join the North American Tour company of the smash hit musical, reprising the role of ‘Lance’ following his recent Broadway run. Fatone will join the touring cast for an exclusive two-week limited engagement when the show makes its triumphant return to Chicago. The production will run at The Auditorium™ from July 22– August 2. CONNECT WITH & JULIET |
|
|
|
TICKET INFORMATION (as of 4/14/26, based on availability and subject to change) |
Broadway in Chicago’s Production of & Juliet is a Jaw-Dropping Blast from Start to Finish
Lights come down at the top of the show. We are clearly in a rehearsal hall as the ensemble lets us know that it’s opening night of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – and they cannot be more excited to perform the material. Video and Projection Designer Andrezej Goulding helps guide the audience to the right time and place with images at the back of the stage representing Elizabethan England. Costume Designer Paloma Young dresses the actors with an impressive nod to the traditional. As they prepare for the opening number, Lighting Designer Howard Hudson zooms in on the cast with radiant color as they slowly move center stage. Fans in the audience may recognize the familiar starting notes of the song, but if not, the lyrics are likely to help fully draw you in:
“All you people can’t you see, can’t you see.
How your love’s affecting our reality.
Every time we’re down, you can make it right.
And that makes you larger than –“
William Shakespeare (Corey Mach) runs on stage to continue the song as this particular performance’s audience goes wild. &Juliet is a jukebox musical of iconic pop songs, and Max Martin (the talented creative behind Music and Lyrics) and book writer David West Read waste no time throwing us in with one of the famous throwbacks from the Backstreet Boys – “Larger than Life.” As the ensemble performed Jennifer Weber’s choreography, this audience felt one step away from jumping on their feet to dance along. The overall feel is like that of a pop concert, and the energy only heightens from there.
Directed by Luke Sheppard, & Juliet takes place on the opening night of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. As the cast prepares to rehearse the ending, his wife, Anne (Teal Wicks) unravels everything with a twist. What if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo but instead, went on living? What if the famous love story actually began with Romeo’s death, and instead created an opportunity for Juliet to go out and experience life? As Shakespeare and Anne co-write (and argue over) the new story, we are invited along on the journey as Juliet (Rachel Simone Webb) sees the world through new eyes – even inviting Anne and Shakespeare to learn a little something about their relationship along the way.
To say that Sheppard’s ensemble is full of stellar performers is an understatement. Each actor carried a vocal belt that rang from the rafters as they brought the boppy score to life. Pop fans will recognize a number of the hits including “Since U Been Gone,” “I Want it That Way,” “Domino,” “Roar,” and “It’s My Life.” Particularly when combined with Weber’s choreography and the vibrant design scheme, you might just find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat – afraid you will miss something if you so much as blink.
Michael Canu and the company of the North American Tour of & JULIET.
As much as the musical feels like a pop concert with high energy and fast-paced music, you might find that a large part of what sells the show is the heart – particularly as Anne learns to find her voice alongside Juliet.
In an effort to find agency, Anne writes herself into the story as one of Juliet’s best friends – helping her along as she gets over Romeo and finds new life in Paris, France. When Juliet finds herself in the middle of a major romantic decision, Anne sits her down and shares her own story. Her marriage to Shakespeare has never been easy, and she has to navigate the highs and lows of that every day.
The two begin to sing Celine Dion’s “That’s the Way it Is” – which is quite the tonal shift. In contrast to the larger-than-life choreography and light show from earlier, Sheppard pairs it down – focusing on the two women simply sitting in chairs at the center of the stage. We are left with little more than the actors themselves and their stunning vocals – filled with the heartbreaking emotion of the moment. If you’re anything like this writer, you may even find yourself moved to tears – watching these two women empower each other to not only move on, but also aim for better.
Full of jaw-dropping talent and creative pizazz, & Juliet is a theatrical event that leaves you wanting more. Especially for those who grew up listening to the pop sensations of the Backstreet Boys and Brittany Spears, the musical is sure to thrust you into nostalgia.
Run Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes, with intermission
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
& Juliet runs through December 15 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre – 151 W Randolph St. See the Broadway in Chicago website for more information regarding tickets.
Latest Articles
-
Premiere of OUT HERE at Court Theatre a Charming Deconstruction of Marriage and Musical
Written by Kerstin BroockmannEveryone encounters many crossroads in their lives, where they make a choice that determines the future…and many people live to regret it. That is where Dawn, the protagonist of Out Here, the new musical receiving its premiere at Court Theatre… -
safronia soars at Lyric Opera
Written by Wesley Davidsafronia at Lyric Opera of Chicago emerges as a deeply personal story of the Great Migration - one that resists grandiosity in favor of something more intimate, more lived-in, and ultimately more affecting. Drawn from the family history of Chicago’s… -
At Steppenwolf, Windfall Doesn’t Cash In on Its Promise
Written by Wesley DavidSteppenwolf Theatre Company’s, Windfall arrives with all the promise its pedigree suggests. Written by Academy Award–winning ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney and directed by Awoye Timpo, the production aspires to be a pulsing, lyrical meditation on grief, justice, and the…
-
THE GREAT GATSBY is Now Playing at Cadillac Palace
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce that the smash hit Broadway musical and global sensation, THE GREAT GATSBY, based on the beloved novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald , is now playing at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.). The party…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.