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Monday 1 July 2024

A Modern Twist on a Timeless Classic: & Juliet the Musical Review, Sydney

& Juliet

Last week I went along to see a mid-week performance of & Juliet at the Sydney Lyric Theater. I'm not a great fan of Shakespeare's famous plays, so I was glad to see this was not a traditional Shakespeare play.

& Juliet is a bold and innovative retelling of Shakespeare's iconic Romeo and Juliet. This high-energy production, directed by Luke Sheppard, offers a fresh and exciting perspective on the classic tale, with a talented cast, stunning costumes, and a catchy pop-rock soundtrack.

I thoroughly enjoyed the show, It was full of music, dancing and laughter. It was like a rock musical, jukebox, pantomime, dance spectacular, pop extravaganza, musical theatre and comedy all combined into one.

& Juliet

The plot of the show was an reimagining of what would happen if William Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway, asked him to rewrite the end of Romeo and Juliet so that Juliet did not die and to give her a new future.

The story takes place in Verona, where Juliet (played by the talented Amy Lehpamer) finds herself at a crossroads. Juliet doesn't die in the tomb, but rather flees to Paris to start a new life. This twist opens up a world of possibilities, allowing the writers to delve into themes of identity, empowerment, and self-discovery.

The basic premise of & Juliet is the various people discovering who they really are and what their purpose is in life. The musical shows that love is a powerful force, but it can also be destructive. The musical shows the importance of self empowerment and making decisions for yourself. It also touches on how the individual relates to family, friends, lovers, former lovers and future lovers.

The staging of the show is spectacular. The ever changing sets, utilizing a revolving stage with drop down and rising sections, are bright a non-stop visual delight. The production values are top-notch, with stunning costumes, clever set design, and impressive choreography. The lighting and sound design are also noteworthy, perfectly capturing the mood and atmosphere of each scene.

& Juliet

The cast was brilliant on the night I saw it. Juliet was paled by Lorinda May Merrypor and Romeo pleyed by Clay Roberts. Shakespeare was played by Rob Mills and his wife Anne Amy Lehpamer. They all sang and danced to perfection.

Other key players were Angelique (Sarah Murr), Lance (Sean Sinclair), May (Jacob Rozario) and
Francois (Jordan Koulos). The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and the supporting cast adds depth and humor to the story.

The real star of the show, however, is the music. I was surprised that I knew most of the songs in & Juliet. The & Juliet soundtrack, written by Max Martin and friends, is a masterclass in pop-rock storytelling. The songs were written by Max Martin for many famous people including the Back Street Boys, Katie Perry, Britney Spears and Pink. Songs included “Oops!...I Did It Again”, “I Kissed a Girl”, “It’s My Life”, “I Want It That Way”, “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” and "Eye of the Tiger". The backing band was brilliant with the powerful and quieter song numbers.

& Juliet is a must-see musical for anyone looking for a fresh and exciting take on a classic tale. With its talented cast, catchy soundtrack, and innovative storytelling, this production is sure to leave you smiling and humming the tunes long after the curtain call. & Juliet is a great choice for fans of musical theater, pop music, and anyone looking for a fun and energetic night out.

It was a full theatre on the night I saw & Juliet. I was surprised at the reactions of the audience members throughout the show. It was obvious they were enjoying the show with their applause, laughter and dancing. It even moved one man sitting behind me to tears during some of the scenes. Be quick to secure your tickets, as it closes on 12 July.