Redefining the standards of modern theater, the highly acclaimed & Juliet is presented by the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) for a limited time. Deliberately altering the fate in one of the best works in history, Director Luke Sheppard has masterfully outdone himself with this remade narration of Juliet’s life had she chosen a different path from the original tragedy.
According to PPAC, “& Juliet features a predominantly female cast who, juxtaposed with their personalities in the play, finally unveil their true selves after their escape from Verona. By fully maximizing pop music, unique outfits, and a remade script, the musical is aptly able to focus on the development of women empowerment as seen in today’s age and shows it through the new play. A production of the theater world’s crown jewel in post-modern playwriting, & Juliet highlights all the modern methods staged plays offer. The musical’s story, which focuses on Juliet breaking free from the expectations set by others on how a woman should make the most of her life is a stark change from the ingrained plot in the original play.” While experiencing new friendships and lessons along the way, Juliet and her companions make a conscious choice to live fully.
The musical shows its audience two varying perspectives via William Shakespeare and his spouse, Anne Hathaway (who is suspiciously reminiscent of the doe-eyed Hollywood actress by the same name), who at various moments throughout & Juliet rewrite the play based on their differing perspectives and what should transpire for these characters. Disagreements, interjected with the separate scenes of Juliet and her friends in Paris, make the play as entertaining as it is educational. The musical connects contrasting themes present in both the classic tragedy and this production. It’s a masterclass on putting an inventive new spin on a beloved old tale, making its characters fully relatable.
Sheppard says, “William Shakespeare’s original Romeo & Juliet ultimately highlights love as the plot’s dominant theme, showing both the highs and lows of true relationships. The continuation of Juliet’s history in the jukebox musical on the other hand is all about empowerment and living life on your own terms, while placing emphasis on the decisions which you make. The two differing tropes that arise from scripts that were created in two absolutely unalike decades embody at what level the dramatic arts and its stories have adjusted over the past times.”
The play opens with a very diverse cast freestyling and interacting with the audience, as did Shakespearean actors back in the day. The set is expanded with projections on the beautiful ceiling and walls. Hats off to Soutra Gilmour’s amazing scenic design. The many seamless set changes are often captivating backdrop projections. Gorgeous, fun props give us seemingly unlimited eye candy, including a carriage drawn by a carousel horse— on a tricycle.
This production puts a modern spin on a familiar tale. Shakespeare (Corey Mach) explodes onto stage looking like he jumped out of a boy band, especially during the song “Tell Me Why.” Even Romeo (Michael Canu) smacks of Lance what’s-his-name, straight out of NSYNC, but with Elizabethan garb meets Gen Z hip-hop verve, accented by corsets, puffed sleeves, tights, and even a cod piece! Kudos to costumer Paloma Young for such creative vision on these captivating designs.
Angelique (Kathryn Allison) is a hysterical spitfire, commanding the stage with her mere presence, while Juliet (Rachel Simone Webb) is a bouncy, fun angel with a lofty voice. Clever lyrics, and strong vocals from all just adds to the exuberance. Interesting to note, all ensemble members have character names, atypical of most theatrical productions. These names are all somehow Shakespeare inspired. In line with Shakespearean sensibilities, gender norms are challenged and the humor is characteristically bawdy.
Gone is iambic pentameter, replaced by the rhyming schema of some of the biggest pop hits of the 21st century. You’ll dance in your seat to familiar lively tunes, including 27 #1 hits by Max Martin, who now holds the record for most #1 hits written and produced. Choreographer Jennifer Weber gives us a hip-hop party we want to be a part of. Whether an enthusiast of Shakespeare’s plays or a new viewer of contemporary theater, this acclaimed musical is something you shouldn’t miss. This fun, enthusiastically high-energy romantic comedy proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it!
Hurry, PPAC presents & Juliet through March 2. Run time is 2.5 hours with intermission. For more information, visit www.ppacri.org.
