Review: & Juliet is a mediocre musical farce with great music and stunning dance

The musical & Juliet, featuring the hit songs of songwriter Max Martin, offers a new perspective on the classic Shakespearean tragedy. In this reimagined version, Anne Hathaway challenges her husband on Juliet's tragic fate, prompting a story where Juliet decides to forge a new life in Paris instead of dying for Romeo. The production relies heavily on the nostalgia of Martin’s pop hits, targeting audiences who grew up with his prolific work.

While the musical succeeds in delivering energetic performances and impressive street dance choreography by Jennifer Weber, the narrative itself lacks depth. Critics have described the script as a shallow, often childish farce with awkward humor. Despite stellar vocal performances from the cast, including Teddy Vermeer and Tristan van der Lingen, the show suffers from a predictable plot and a forced moral message. Ultimately, the production is characterized as a visually vibrant spectacle that prioritizes catchy music and dancing over a coherent or meaningful story.