'& Juliet' is a Fun, Fabulous Fever Dream You Won't Want to Wake Up From

The Company of & Juliet. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy.

Think of the best, most over-the-top pop concert you’ve ever been to. Then, think of William Shakespeare. These two things may feel a bit incongruous, but somehow, they blend together in beautiful, bubbly harmony in & Juliet, an oh-so-fun musical that’s gracing the stage at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC).

Featuring an immensely funny book by David West Read, pitch-perfect direction by Luke Sheppard, breakdancing, boyband-inspired choreography by Jennifer Weber, and, best of all, the musical stylings of Max Martin, the music producer with the most #1 hits of all time, & Juliet is a winning production that’s filled with fun from the first song to the last.

That first song just happens to be “Larger than Life,” and it sets the stage for the tongue-in-cheek story-within-a-story that’s about to play out. Viewers are introduced to none other than William Shakespeare, played by a devilishly handsome Corey Mach, and his wife Anne (Teal Wicks). In their world, it’s the first ever opening night of Romeo and Juliet, but Anne is not happy with her husband’s tragic ending. She suggests, much to Shakespeare’s chagrin, that he change his ending and give Juliet a life after Romeo. What unfolds, as the two battle it out, is a re-imagined ending—one where Juliet wakes up to a dead Romeo—that’s really more of a beginning.

This new, fabulous story continues to evolve and is filled with welcome additions and surprising twists and turns. Juliet, as portrayed by the shining, unforgettable Rachel Simone Webb, is still accompanied by her sassy nurse, Angelique (Kathryn Allison), but she’s got some new friends (and some new plans) in tow. Along for the literal carriage ride to Paris are Juliet’s best friend, May (Nick Drake) and her other, quickly-added-in best friend, April, whom Anne has included as a way to insert herself into the tale.

As the group happens upon a wild party, thrown for a young man named Francois (Mateus Leite Cardoso), things really start to change. Sweet May finds themselves utterly entranced by Francois, but Francois is developing feelings for Juliet. Other surprises start to pop up too, including a silly, sexy subplot in which Angelique reunites with her old flame, Lance (a hilariously charming Paul-Jordan Jansen), who just so happens to be Francois’ father.

As the story develops, familiar music hits are used in clever new ways. Through Drake’s emotional, intense delivery of “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman,”  one of the show’s most sparkling moments, we learn about their feelings and struggles as a nonbinary person. And, through “It’s My Life,” Shakespeare brings back a character (no spoilers) as a way to regain some control over his show.

And, speaking of Shakespeare, he and Anne have a story of their own. As they fight over the play, make changes, and interact with the characters they’ve created, the issues in their own relationship come to a head. Somehow, though, these complex storylines all come together seamlessly. Read’s smart writing keeps viewers invested, engaged, and in on all the jokes. And, even better, he creates characters everyone wants to root for, all while reminding us of the “Juliets” that have gone before and breaking down the barriers they faced.

As Juliet, Webb is both vulnerable and indomitable. She gives her character all the charm you’d expect, with a hefty dose of power. Plus, Webb is just one of many incredible vocal talents in the cast. Her performance of “Baby One More Time” competes with Teal’s puissant vocals on “That’s The Way It Is,” and Allison’s skills astound as well, especially in her second-act delivery of “Fuckin’ Perfect.”

And, when the music and characters aren’t taking center stage (and even when they are), there’s always something to look at. In a production that’s packed with visual appeal, viewers are treated to stellar special effects and background projections, clouds of confetti, pops of color, and over-the-top, glittering costumes that feel like a party in themselves.

All things combined, & Juliet is a fabulous fever dream that melds all the magic of theatre with all the joy of music. Cleverly written and expertly directed and performed, it’s the kind of whirlwind show that takes you by storm and doesn’t let go. It’s entertaining, emotional, and innovative—all the things that theatre should be. If you’re ready to feel revived, renewed, and reminded of all the possibilities that life can hold, take this journey along with Juliet. You won’t be disappointed!

-Susie Potter