‘& Juliet’ @ Broadway Dallas (Fair Park)
Photos by Matthew Murphy
—Rickey Wax
What if…Juliet didn’t end her story with a dagger?
What if…she had a second act—one where she took control of her own destiny, fell in love on her own terms, and, most importantly, lived?
That’s the premise of & Juliet, the high-energy jukebox musical currently lighting up the stage at the Music Hall in Fair Park, presented by Broadway Dallas. Under the direction of Susanna Wolk, this touring production takes one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies and flips the script—literally—giving its leading lady the empowerment she never got in the original.
This isn’t just Romeo & Juliet reimagined; it’s Juliet Unleashed. Set to a soundtrack of Max Martin’s biggest pop hits (think Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Backstreet Boys), & Juliet follows a world where Anne Hathaway—no, not the actress, but Shakespeare’s oft-forgotten wife—challenges her husband to rewrite Juliet’s fate. Played with warmth and wit by Teal Wicks, Anne finally steps out from her husband’s literary shadow, proving that she too has a voice worth hearing.
The show’s heart beats strongest with its lead, Rachel Simone Webb, who commands the stage with vocal prowess and star power. Her rendition of “Since U Been Gone” practically stops the show, and she brings depth to Juliet’s journey from heartbroken teen to independent woman.
But she’s not the only scene-stealer—Kathryn Allison as Angelique and Paul-Jordan Jansen as Lance make for a hilarious duo, their chemistry palpable and their comedic timing impeccable. Watching their long-buried romance resurface is a delight, bringing levity to the show’s deeper themes of self-discovery and second chances.
Josh Baker’s choreography keeps the energy high, blending contemporary pop with Shakespearean flair in ways that feel fresh rather than forced. The ensemble’s dance numbers are electric, and the infusion of pyrotechnics adds that extra touch of Broadway spectacle, making the production feel larger than life. Meanwhile, Ashley Rose Horton’s costume design is a striking fusion of punk rock rebellion and Elizabethan elegance, visually reinforcing the show’s playful contrast between past and present.
While & Juliet leans into comedy, its message is no joke. It’s a celebration of choice, self-love, and rewriting the narrative—both on stage and in life. Shakespeare may have had the final word in his time, but in this musical, Juliet (and Anne) get the last laugh. And let’s be honest—Romeo was cute, but was he really worth all that?
With powerhouse performances, infectious choreography, and a pop soundtrack that’ll have you humming long after the show, & Juliet is a raucous, feel-good ride that proves sometimes, the best stories are the ones we choose to write for ourselves.
WHEN: January 28-February 9, 2025
WHERE: The Music Hall at Fair Park
WEB: broadwaydallas.org
