Broadway shows can feel intimidating and expensive for university students, especially those who have never seen a musical before, but with its familiar story, recognizable pop hits and lighthearted twists, & Juliet could be an easy introduction to the theatre.
What is & Juliet?
The musical, which runs until Sept. 20 at the Jubilee Auditorium, is a classic jukebox musical built around popular hits rather than an original score.
& Juliet puts an unexpected twist on a story audiences already know, allowing them to watch a new ending be rewritten before their eyes.
This “what if?” show explores the life Juliet could have lived if she hadn’t died at the end of the play. Romeo’s gone, but she’s off to Paris to escape the control of her parents and discover who she is outside of the relationship that once defined her.
Juliet begins making choices of her own, navigating adulthood and exploring her identity outside other people’s expectations.
The musical first premiered in Manchester in 2019 before opening on London’s West End later that year. The show’s book was written by Canadian playwright David West Read, best known for his work on Schitt’s Creek. & Juliet made its North American premiere in Toronto in 2022 and its Broadway debut shortly after.
& Juliet is less of a story about star-crossed lovers and more about what happens when someone gets the chance to start over.
What can you expect?
The well-known Shakespeare story makes the show approachable for someone seeing a Broadway musical for the first time.
The story is easy to follow, while the colourful staging, energetic choreography and constant movement give the production momentum.
Even if you’ve never heard of & Juliet, its lineup of 1990s and 2000s records means there’s a good chance you’ll recognize at least one song.
The show reshapes songs such as “Since U Been Gone”, “I Want It That Way” and “Oops… I Did It Again” to fit the characters, scenes and story unfolding around them.
Credit: Evan Zimmerman
How to make Broadway more affordable
For students, ticket price can matter as much as the show itself. A night at the theatre doesn’t necessarily have to mean spending a large chunk of your budget.
Broadway Across Canada offers a digital lottery before each production, which gives audience members a chance to purchase discounted tickets.
For & Juliet, lottery tickets were available for $49. Regular ticket prices now start at around $150.
Students can also sign up for Broadway Across Canada’s mailing list to receive information about advance offers and discounts.
Checking these options before buying a regular-priced ticket can help you fit a show you want to see into a university budget.