NYC: & Juliet the Musical on Broadway

& Juliet takes Shakespeare’s tragedy as a starting point, then asks a lively question: what if Juliet got to write her own next chapter? At the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, expect a romantic comedy built around Max Martin pop hits, not a solemn retelling.

I like the clear appeal of familiar songs such as Since U Been Gone and Baby One More Time, and the show’s central idea gives Juliet more agency than the ending most people know. One consideration: the performance runs 2 hours and 45 minutes, including an intermission, and contains strong language.

What to know before you go

• Juliet gets a second chance: The musical imagines her choosing life after Romeo and taking charge of what comes next.
• The songs are pop hits: Expect tracks including Roar, Larger Than Life, and That’s The Way It Is.
• It plays at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre: Present your ticket there and take the upper or lower seat included in your booking.
• The creative team has musical and comedy credentials: David West Read wrote the story, Max Martin wrote and produced the songs, Luke Sheppard directs, and Jennifer Weber choreographs.
• Plan for a full evening: The show lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, with one intermission.
• Food and drink cost extra: They are not included in the ticket, but are available to buy.

A familiar tragedy takes a different turn

The starting point is Romeo and Juliet, but this musical is less interested in replaying the tragedy than in questioning its famous finish. Juliet’s story continues after Romeo, giving her the chance to make choices beyond the balcony scene and the ending that Shakespeare’s play made familiar.

That premise is easy to grasp even if you have not read the play recently. You do not need to brush up on Shakespeare to follow the basic setup: Juliet leaves the old story behind and sets out toward a fresh start in love and life.

The change also shifts the focus. Instead of treating Juliet only as one half of a legendary romance, the show puts her at the centre of her own decisions. If you enjoy a musical that borrows a well-known story but gives its heroine a different path, that is the main reason to consider this one.

The tone is comic and romantic rather than tragic. The show is described as a hilarious musical, and its mix of comedy and pop songs points toward a playful evening. It is not a quiet literary adaptation, so if you want a serious, close reading of Shakespeare, this is probably not the version for you.

Pop songs carry the evening

The score draws on songs written and produced by Max Martin, whose catalogue includes a long run of number-one hits. The set includes Since U Been Gone, Roar, Baby One More Time, Larger Than Life, That’s The Way It Is, and Can’t Stop the Feeling.

Those titles will be familiar to many pop listeners, and that recognition is part of the show’s appeal. You can arrive knowing the songs from radio or playlists, then hear them in the context of Juliet’s new story. It gives the evening a built-in connection point even if you are not coming for Shakespeare.

The songs also set expectations for the mood. This is a Broadway musical that leans into well-known pop, not an original score aimed at sounding like period music. If you want familiar choruses and an energetic night out, that is a plus. If you prefer a score written specifically to sound like the world and era of the story, the pop catalogue may feel like a mismatch.

The material invites audience participation in spirit, and the show encourages singing along and dancing with the cast. Still, follow the theatre’s rules and stay in your seat unless the performance itself gives you a cue. The description promises a lively atmosphere, but it does not specify how much audience participation is expected at any particular moment.

From your theatre seat to Juliet’s new beginning

Your experience begins at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York. Present your ticket at the venue, then go to the upper or lower seat that matches the option you booked. The ticket covers entry to the show; it does not include food or drinks.

Once seated, you can settle in for the full production. The story follows Juliet as she steps away from the ending associated with Romeo and heads toward a new beginning. The musical’s main draw is the blend of that familiar premise, comedy, and pop songs, rather than a sightseeing itinerary or a guided tour.

The show lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission. That is a substantial block of an evening, so plan around the full running time rather than expecting a quick performance. The intermission gives you a pause in the middle, but the show still asks for a good stretch of attention.

The production features costumes, choreography, and a cast performing the story live. Jennifer Weber is the choreographer, and Luke Sheppard directs. The supplied details do not name individual performers, so check the current cast information if a particular actor matters to your plans.

The creative team behind the comedy

David West Read wrote the story. His work on Schitt’s Creek gives the production a connection to an Emmy-winning comedy writer, which suits a show that sells itself on laughter as well as romance.

Max Martin is the songwriter and music producer behind the featured hits. His songs provide the musical backbone, while the Shakespeare-inspired plot gives them a new setting. The contrast between a familiar pop track and a changed version of Juliet’s story is central to the show’s identity.

Jennifer Weber handles choreography, and Luke Sheppard directs. Together with Read and Martin, they bring experience across writing, music, movement, and staging. That range helps explain why the musical is framed as a large-scale Broadway night rather than a simple concert of familiar songs.

The production comes to Broadway from London’s West End and has received enthusiastic praise from Forbes, the Washington Post, and Variety. That is a useful signal if you are weighing it against other shows, though it is not a promise that every joke or song choice will suit your taste. The best match is someone who likes pop, comedy, and a playful remix of a classic story.

Choosing a seat and planning the night

Your ticket may be for an upper or lower seat, depending on the option you book. The available information does not give a seat map or promise a particular view, so read the seat category carefully when choosing. If the difference between upper and lower seating matters to you, compare the options before buying rather than assuming they are interchangeable.

Food and drinks are available for purchase, but they are not part of the ticket. That makes the ticket price only one part of the evening’s cost. Since no ticket price is specified here, I would judge value by the seat category, the nearly three-hour length, and how much you enjoy the music and premise.

For fans of Max Martin’s songs, the value is more than simply hearing familiar hits. You get them within a full musical production, alongside a comic story and choreography. If you only want to hear the songs, a concert would be a different sort of experience; if you enjoy pop songs in a theatrical setting, this format has more to offer.

The show contains strong language. That is worth knowing before you bring children or anyone who prefers family-friendly material. No age recommendation is provided, so use the language warning and your own judgment when deciding who should join you.

Flash photography, video recording, and selfie sticks are prohibited. Put the phone away during the performance and enjoy the live show without a screen between you and the stage. The rules also mean you should not count on recording a song or taking a quick picture from your seat.

Is & Juliet worth booking?

I would put & Juliet on your list if you like pop hits, comic romance, and stories that give familiar characters a fresh choice. The appeal is specific: Juliet gets another chance, Max Martin’s songs supply the musical hooks, and a seasoned creative team brings the material to Broadway.

Think twice if you want a faithful Shakespeare adaptation, a short night out, or a show without strong language. Also compare upper and lower seating options before committing, since your ticket determines where you sit and the available details do not promise a particular view.

For the right audience, it offers a straightforward, lively Broadway evening: a familiar story turned on its head, songs you may already know, and enough running time for a full-scale musical. If that combination sounds like your kind of night, book the seat category that fits your budget and plan to stay for the whole performance.

FAQ

Where is & Juliet performed?

It is performed at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York. Present your ticket at the theatre.

How long is the show?

The performance lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission.

Which songs are included?

Songs include Since U Been Gone, Roar, Baby One More Time, Larger Than Life, That’s The Way It Is, and Can’t Stop the Feeling.

What is the story about?

The musical imagines what happens if Juliet does not end her life over Romeo, but instead leaves the familiar ending behind for a fresh start.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase, but are not included with the ticket.

Are photos or videos allowed during the show?

No. Flash photography, video recording, and selfie sticks are prohibited.