The Fisher Theatre was bursting with energy as & Juliet took the stage, delivering a bold, modern twist on one of the most well-known love stories of all time. This high-octane production reimagines what would happen if Juliet chose her own destiny instead of following Shakespeare’s tragic ending—and the result is nothing short of electrifying. From the moment the curtain rises, the audience is pulled into a vibrant, fast-paced world where empowerment, self-discovery, and second chances take center stage.
Fabiola Caraballo Quijada shines as Juliet, commanding the stage with a perfect balance of strength, vulnerability, and charisma. Her vocal performance is nothing short of stunning—each note delivered with precision and emotional depth, transforming familiar pop songs into powerful storytelling moments. Juliet’s journey feels fresh, relatable, and inspiring, and Quijada carries it effortlessly from start to finish.
CJ Eldred as William Shakespeare adds a clever, meta-theatrical layer to the production, serving as both narrator and participant in the story. His chemistry with Crystal Kellogg’s Anne Hathaway is a standout element of the show. Kellogg brings wit, warmth, and a refreshing sense of authority to Anne, challenging Shakespeare’s narrative choices and ultimately reshaping the story into something more inclusive and empowering. Their dynamic creates some of the production’s most memorable and humorous moments while also grounding its emotional core.
The supporting cast is equally dynamic, contributing to the show’s nonstop momentum and infectious energy. Notably, Jourdan Ibe, performing as May in tonight’s performance, delivers a seamless and confident portrayal that feels fully realized and deeply authentic. May is written as a nonbinary character, which adds a powerful layer of representation to the production, giving nonbinary audience members the chance to see themselves reflected on stage in a meaningful and affirming way. Ibe handles the role with grace, heart, and undeniable stage presence, making May’s journey one of the most poignant and memorable elements of the show.
Behind the scenes, the creative team deserves significant recognition for bringing this bold vision to life. The direction keeps the pacing tight and engaging, never allowing the energy to dip, while the choreography is explosive and contemporary, perfectly matching the tone of the music. The set design is sleek and adaptable, transitioning effortlessly between scenes while maintaining a visually cohesive aesthetic. Lighting design plays a major role in amplifying the emotional beats of the show, shifting from high-energy concert-style moments to more intimate, character-driven scenes with precision.
The costumes are incredibly intricate and visually striking, blending modern pop-star glam with subtle nods to the Renaissance era. This fusion mirrors the show’s overall concept—honoring its Shakespearean roots while boldly stepping into a contemporary space. Each character’s look feels intentional and expressive, adding another layer of storytelling through design.
Of course, the music is a central driving force of & Juliet. Featuring the iconic catalog of Max Martin, the show is packed with chart-topping hits from artists like Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, and Kelly Clarkson. Songs such as “…Baby One More Time,” “I Want It That Way,” “Roar,” and “Since U Been Gone” are cleverly woven into the narrative, giving new life and meaning to familiar lyrics. The audience response was electric—throughout the performance, crowd members could be seen singing along and even dancing in their seats, turning the theater into a full-on concert experience.
The live band and vocal arrangements elevate the production even further, seamlessly blending theatrical storytelling with pop concert energy. Each musical number builds on the last, creating a nonstop wave of excitement that rarely lets up.
Ultimately, & Juliet is a joyful, empowering, and thoroughly entertaining production that proves there’s always another way to tell a story. It’s a celebration of individuality, resilience, and rewriting the narrative on your own terms. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare, a lover of pop music, or simply someone looking for a night of high-quality theater, this production delivers on every level—and then some.
& Juliet continues at the Fisher Theatre through April 12. Tickets are available by clicking the link here