What if literature's most famous tragic heroine had chosen life over death? That's the delightfully subversive question at the heart of &Juliet, the Broadway sensation arriving at Riverside Theatres this October. Created by Emmy winner David West Read (Schitt's Creek), this joyful musical imagines Juliet deciding not to kill herself at the end of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, instead choosing to write her own story.
The premise allows for both theatrical innovation and cultural commentary. Rather than mourning over Romeo, Juliet travels to Paris with her nurse Angelique and new friends May and April, where she discovers that life offers possibilities beyond romantic tragedy. Ultimately, &Juliet is a triumphant coming-of-age story about a young woman finding her independence, a message that resonates powerfully in contemporary conversations about female agency and self-determination.
The musical's genius lies in its pop soundtrack, featuring hits from Max Martin's legendary catalogue. Songs by Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Céline Dion, and the Backstreet Boys are woven into the narrative with surprising sophistication, creating emotional moments that feel both familiar and fresh. Soaring with pop anthems including Baby One More Time, Everybody (Backstreet's Back), Love Me Like You Do and Can't Feel My Face, the score transforms recognisable hits into character-driven storytelling.
The show's meta-theatrical framework adds another layer of entertainment. Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway appear as characters, with Anne literally writing herself into the story as one of Juliet's new companions. This device allows the musical to comment on its own creative process while exploring themes of authorship, agency, and the power to rewrite traditional narratives.
Since its Manchester premiere in 2019, &Juliet has collected critical acclaim and popular success. The production won three Olivier Awards before transferring to Broadway, where it continues to attract audiences hungry for stories of self-discovery, empowerment and love. The musical's success reflects contemporary appetite for entertainment that celebrates female independence while delivering spectacular musical theatre.
For PACA Productions, staging &Juliet represents significant artistic ambition. The show demands sophisticated vocal performances, intricate choreography, and production values that match its West End and Broadway pedigree. The company's commitment to bringing this calibre of musical theatre to Parramatta demonstrates growing confidence in western Sydney's cultural appetite.
The casting and creative team face the challenge of balancing the show's irreverent humour with its emotional depth. While the premise might suggest lightweight entertainment, the best moments come when familiar pop songs reveal unexpected emotional resonance within Juliet's journey of self-discovery.
The musical arrives at Parramatta during a time when audiences are particularly receptive to stories about female empowerment and chosen family. When it comes to love, there's always life after Romeo, a philosophy that extends beyond romantic relationships to encompass broader questions about independence, friendship, and personal fulfillment.
This production promises an evening of pure theatrical joy, smart enough to reward Shakespeare lovers while accessible enough to delight pop music fans.
&Juliet runs at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta from October 3-19, 2025.
Tickets and more info: https://riversideparramatta.com.au/whats-on/and-juliet/
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