& Juliet Review: Shakespeare's Famous Love Story Reimagined

 

What happens if Juliet never dies in Romeo and Juliet?

"& Juliet" delivers a fresh twist on William Shakespeare's classic, giving it a modern makeover that's both witty and original. What sets it apart is the clever infusion of iconic hits from the 90s and 2000s by artists like the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Bon Jovi, and more into the lyrics, making it relatable to Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. This coming-of-age jukebox musical is a treat for all ages.

The Story

Right from the get-go, the tone is set with a unique twist as William Shakespeare engages in a dialogue with his wife, Ann Hathaway, discussing the ending of Romeo and Juliet. This conversation sparks a complete overhaul of the ending, paving the way for a fresh start and laying the groundwork for "& Juliet," a story that feels tailor-made for a different time. When Juliet lives and finds out that Romeo is actually a free-spirited lover during his funeral, it turns a classic love story on its head.

Credit:  Base Entertainemnt

This isn't just a love story; it explores four distinct love stories that resonate with people from all walks of life. It's an inclusive musical that delves into the various facets of relationships in a charming, meaningful, and realistic way.

The Musical

Max Martin, the acclaimed Swedish songwriter and five-time Grammy award-winning virtuoso, has crafted a remarkable repertoire of hits over the course of his career. Prepare to be enchanted by the seamless integration of some of his chart-topping tracks into the pop-filled jubilation of & Juliet! Classics such as "I Want It That Way," "Since U Been Gone," "Teenage Dream," "Baby One More Time," "Can't Stop the Feeling," and Juliet's electrifying rendition of "Roar" pulsate at the heart of this exuberant production. Brace yourselves for standing ovations aplenty!

Integrating iconic song lyrics into the musical might seem daunting, but the clever incorporation of these songs into the dialogue, making perfect sense, garners applause and cheers from the audience. At times, you might even mistake this musical for a mini-concert.  This jukebox musical is clearly a hit.

Credits: Base Entertainment Asia

The cheers flowed freely during energetic numbers like Romeo's rendition of "It's My Life" and Bois Band's performance of "Everybody." The latter had everyone in the hall waving their hands from side to side, creating a concert-like atmosphere. And that's not all; the finale had everyone on their feet, grooving to the beat. It was a sight to behold, especially if you were seated at the back of the stalls (like we were).

Credits: Base Entertainment Asia

While Loringa May Meerypor's Juliet's performance is flawless, we can't help but give a nod to Blake Appelqvist's Romeo. His stage presence, especially during "It's My Life," literally took our butts off our seats. 

Credits: Base Entertainment Asia

Another noteworthy performance is by Jess Dutlow's May, who shines as a non-binary character in the show.

Overall, the Australian cast delivers strong performances, particularly during the singalong moments. Who would've thought a musical could be this much fun?

The musical runs for 150 minutes, including a 20 minutes intermission.

Sets and Costumes

The neon signs, vibrant props, and costumes set the mood for a fun and carefree atmosphere, a stark departure from Shakespeare's play. In a way, this encapsulates the essence of "& Juliet"—a show that doesn't rely on Romeo and Juliet's legacy but confidently sets its own tone and style.

Where to Sit

For the best experience, opt for seats in the stalls. Being closer to the stage lets you capture every expression while sitting a bit further away allows you to fully immerse yourself in the entire show's presentation. Our preference will be the middle stall seats, where you will get the best of both worlds.

Regardless of your seats, Marina Bay Sands is known for its peak-hour traffic, especially on musical nights. As we expect sold-out crowds on weekends, it is best to be there early or opt for public transport.

Verdict

In our books, "& Juliet" ranks among the top modern musicals we've encountered to date. If you're on the hunt for a refreshing musical that speaks to today's society while infusing classic hits with a special touch, "& Juliet" deserves a top spot on your must-see list. With its mature themes, we recommend this show for 16 and above.

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& Juliet

📅Sep 21- Oct 15, 2023

🗓Tues to Friday (8pm), Sat (2pm and 8pm), Sun (1pm and 6pm)

💥Sands Theatre, Marina Bay

💰Ticket prices : SGD 68-238