&Juliet Broadway Musical Review: Pop, Power, and a Bold Rewriting of Fate
&Juliet Broadway musical is a bold, modern twist on a classic Shakespearean tale with pop energy and inclusivity. Created by David West Read, this retelling of the star-crossed lovers shows a “what-if” scenario. What if Juliet did not die at the end of Romeo & Juliet? Instead, Juliet decides to live – and thrive – on her own terms regardless of what anyone thinks.
The show starts with Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway debating how Romeo and Juliet should end. Anne believes Juliet deserves a second chance—not death. So, the play restarts… this time, Juliet heads off to Paris with her friends, discovering freedom, heartbreak, and love.
What truly elevates this musical is not just its empowering storyline, but the soundtrack. Max Martin, the genius behind some of the biggest pop hits, reimagines his songs to drive the plot and deepen character moments. From “…Baby One More Time” to “Since U Been Gone” to “Roar,” the songs aren’t just musical interludes—they’re extensions of the characters’ emotional narratives. Each number helps propel the story while delivering all the high-energy, sing-along moments fans crave.
In the end, &Juliet is not just a fun night at the theater—it’s a celebration of choosing yourself. It’s joyful, inclusive, funny, and surprisingly moving. If you walk into the theater expecting a pop-fueled rehash of Shakespeare, you’ll be surprised—in the best way.
I don’t want to give out spoilers, but here are some of the songs found in the &Juliet Broadway Musical.
- “Larger than Life”
- “I Want It That Way”
- “…Baby One More Time”
- “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely”
- “Domino”
- “Show Me Love”
- “Blow”
- “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman”
- “Overprotected”
- “Confident”
- “Teenage Dream”
- “Oops!… I Did It Again”
- “I Kissed a Girl”
- “It’s My Life”
&Juliet Broadway Musical at the Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco, California, has been a cornerstone of the city’s performing arts scene since it first opened its doors in September 1926. Designed by B. Marcus Priteca, who was known for his opulent yet functional theater designs, the Orpheum blends Spanish Gothic motifs with elegant Old World craftsmanship. Its gorgeous vaulted ceiling, intricately carved façade, and gilded accents create an atmosphere of timeless grandeur, making it not only a favorite destination for theatre-goers but also a San Francisco Landmark.
Hosting &Juliet at the Orpheum is a fitting pairing. The theatre’s rich theatrical heritage and ambiance perfectly complement the musical’s bold reimagining of classic Shakespeare. The stage is thoughtfully designed to support the vibrant choreography and brisk scene changes of the production. The actors moved fluidly, effortlessly transitioning from high-energy dance numbers to intimate storytelling without the performance ever feeling cramped or constrained.
One of the standout features of the Orpheum is its acoustics. Despite sitting in the Mezzanine, I could hear every word, lyric, and harmony with remarkable clarity. The sound filled the space without overwhelming it—whether it was a soft emotional ballad or a full-cast pop anthem, the balance was pitch-perfect. The live band, hidden just out of view, delivered Max Martin’s iconic hits with the full force of a concert, yet nothing ever drowned out the cast’s vocals.
Closing Remarks on &Juliet Broadway Musical
From beginning to end, &Juliet was a vibrant, emotionally resonant experience that left me wanting more—even knowing how the story would unfold. What stood out most was how the show balanced high-energy musical numbers with moments of genuine character growth and self-discovery. It’s a musical that not only entertains but encourages the audience to imagine what it means to take ownership of your own narrative. With humor, heart, and unforgettable performances, &Juliet reminded me that love, identity, and second chances are worth exploring.
Sometimes the most powerful rewrite is the one we give ourselves.
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