A jukebox musical reimagines Shakespeare with '90s pop, humor, and heart
“I must confess,” the beginning of the year causes my “loneliness to be killing me.” While the “shape of my heart” grew full during the holiday season, the New Year requires me to be “stronger,” to “roar,” and be more “confident.” It is more than being “back, alright.” After all, it is “my life,” “it is now or never,” and “yesterday is a mile away.” For people who grew up in the 90s, they hopefully got all the lyric references; for everyone else, & Juliet was everything a 90s music fan loved. For everyone else, laugh a little.
Although today’s musicals and theater productions might appear far removed from William Shakespeare’s era and original The Globe productions, similarities run deep. Long before an African American actor played George Washington or a man assumed the role of Mary Todd Lincoln, Shakespeare’s casts crossed genders, covered controversial topics, and encouraged people to question their choices.
& Juliet is a jukebox musical with a book by Emmy-winning Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read. The musical’s songs are all familiar tunes from the 90s. From Brittany Spears and Katy Perry to Backstreet Boys and ‘NSYNC, everyone can name those songs in five notes.
Additionally, the underlying story is known to all, even if it has been decades since people read the iambic pentameter of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The iconic themes of star-crossed lovers, family drama, and tragedy are woven into everything from Hallmark movies to the most popular dramedies.
In the popular musical & Juliet, the beloved characters get a new lease on life, literally by answering the question—what if Juliet did not die? Choosing personal growth, confidence, self-assurance, and a multitude of personal affirmations encourages audiences to take this journey with Juliet, and maybe, encourages their own journey towards self-determination.
What makes this & Juliet National Tour stop special is the cast. Yes, adding Joey Fatone brings a wink and nod to the boy band music that fills the score. More importantly, this version shines because the cast has impeccable comedic timing and is in on the joke.
From waiting for the “bump” to a side-eye when delivering a line, these actors make the audience forget about the pop diva's pitchy rendition that played Top 40 radio and compel people to focus on the lyrics, story, and emotions on stage. It is a hard task to accomplish in a jukebox musical, and this cast does it extremely well.
Since many people specifically bought tickets to the Dr. Phillips Center production to see Joey Fatone as Lance, audiences were delighted and cheered as soon as he took the stage. Even though he quips about his accent, there are moments when his powerful voice shines. He is not in the back row of this boy band at this moment. His voice stands up to all the other stage singers.
More importantly, his comedic timing is spot on. He plays the quiet moments as well as the ones for big laughs. This performance proves Joey deserves more time in the spotlight.
But, & Juliet is about Juliet, and Fabiola Carballo Quijada commands the stage. Her powerful voice demands attention. More importantly, she brings emotional depth to popular songs. Anthems like “Roar,” “Stronger,” and “Confident” are more than just a Broadway belt. The moments of vulnerability and self-doubt turn pop numbers into contemplative pieces.
Overall, the ensemble cast deserves the enthusiastic applause as they take their curtain calls. Yes, the story and the music are familiar, but the underlying message deserves to be played on repeat. Conviction and putting yourself first are priorities that last far longer than the catchy earworm. That concept deserves top billing on this Playbill.
& Juliet, the National Tour, stops at Dr. Phillips Center through January 11, 2026. Joey Fatone’s appearance was limited to select Orlando shows. Additional touring dates can be found online.
Dr. Phillips Center’s AdventHealth Broadway in Orlando 25/26 Season runs through June 2026. Show dates and ticket information can be found online.
Tags: & juliet, joey fatone, broadway review, jukebox musical, theater
