&Juliet Review - Shakespeare's greatest love story reimagined

"Romeo and Juliet," a timeless tale of young love and tragedy, gets an audacious spin in the Broadway musical  &Juliet.

The production attempts to answer the question: what if Juliet didn't die, but instead embarked on a journey of self-discovery?

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The result is a jukebox musical that is as vibrant and colorful as it is bold and daring.

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Only Asian stop in Singapore

Premiering in 2019 at the Manchester Opera House, this electrifying production moved to London's West End where it earned 3 prestigious Olivier Awards.

The musical then made its North American debut in Toronto in July 2022, before heading to Broadway.

The Australian production of &Juliet premiered in February 2023 at Melbourne's Regent Theatre and after a blockbuster season, has finally made its way to Singapore, its only Asian stop.

A celebration of pop culture and shakespearean drama, merged into a delightful theatrical experience

The show, directed by Luke Sheppard, is a visual feast.

The staging is dynamic and makes full use of projections and flying set pieces, all contributing to a pop-infused atmosphere.

The vibrant visuals are undoubtedly one of the show's biggest strengths, creating an immersive world that is both familiar and refreshingly new.

The choreography is another standout aspect of the show. It is dynamic and energetic, perfectly matching the tempo of the pop hits that make up the soundtrack.

Each dance number is executed with precision and gusto, adding a layer of excitement to the narrative and further drawing the audience into Juliet's journey.

As for the cast, they bring an infectious energy to the stage, instilling life into this reimagined Shakespearean world.

The soundtrack of &Juliet, a delightful mix of 2000s pop hits, is seamlessly woven into the narrative

The selection of songs cleverly incorporates hits from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, and more, adding a contemporary twist to the classic tale.

With five-time GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter/producer Max Martin at the helm of the music of &Juliet, it's no wonder the music is exceptional.

Compelling narrative that offers a refreshing take on Shakespeare's timeless tale

Beyond the spectacle and the music, at the heart of &Juliet is a powerful exploration of love, self-discovery, and individuality.

The themes are as timeless as Shakespeare's own words, yet they are presented in a way that feels fresh and relevant to contemporary audiences.

The narrative does not shy away from exploring these themes in depth, resulting in a story that is as emotionally engaging as it is entertaining.

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Our verdict

With its stunning visual design, energetic choreography and fresh renditions of familiar pop tunes, &Juliet spins a brilliant tale of love and finding oneself - themes as enduring as the Bard’s own words.

2000s pop and Shakespeare blend together seamlessly in a performance buzzing with chaos and warmth, one that is thoroughly entertaining and definitely worth a watch!

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Images from Base Entertainment