Was it all a joke?
The morning after seeing the Broadway musical “& Juliet,” I’m still not sure.
Described as a tale that “flips the script” on the story of “Romeo & Juliet,” this popular Broadway production does so with the backing of a wide array of mostly upbeat, contemporary-ish pop songs and a fair amount of slapstick.
My 17-year-old summed it up as: “It was half affirming and uplifting, the other half, ‘Throw things at the wall and see what sticks.'” She’s not wrong.
William Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway, before part of the story in “& Juliet.” (Image: Matthew Murphy)
‘& Juliet’: Say what?
Kathryn Allison as Juliet’s nurse Angelique, who accompanies her on an adventure to Paris. (Image: Matthew Murphy)
However, there definitely was a lot of impressive singing talent and impeccable comedic timing. There’s also profanity and sexual innuendo (and flashing/strobe lighting, loud noises, confetti cannons, and pyrotechnics). Show materials say, “We kindly recommend attendees be at least 8 years of age.” I would suggest a little older. In fact, I think one would need to be well into (or out of) their teens to begin to appreciate the funky homage to pop music. Additionally, I was reminded of a moment at the beginning when Anne Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare, arrives. She is excited to have a night out and proclaims, “I’m going to have a big glass of wine!” She was on to something.
A sense of irony or appreciation for the bizarre is a good idea, too. Consider a scene toward the end, in which a debate over Shakespearean prose and plotlines devolved into (another) Backstreet Boys song. Yes, it was that strange.
But yes, Juliet lived to see another day and a new path forward, and that is to be cheered.
This “jukebox musical” is on stage at the Paramount Theatre just through Sunday, Aug. 3. If you want some good laughs and good singing (oh, and air conditioning), here’s how to get tickets to “& Juliet.” And don’t be too swayed by my skepticism: this show is very popular.
Also coming soon to Seattle stages:
- The rest of the Broadway season at the Paramount
- At the 5th Avenue Theatre: “After Midnight,” Aug. 5-24; “Chicago,” Oct. 22-Nov. 2
