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& Juliet: A Pop-Powered Reinvention of Romeo and Juliet

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 6:15 GMT by Orlando Sentinel

Beyond the Tomb: How '& Juliet' is Redefining Musical Jukeboxes and Empowering Female Leads

Orlando audiences are currently experiencing a vibrant injection of pop energy with the arrival of "& Juliet" at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. But this isn't merely a stage adaptation of a beloved classic; it's a bold reimagining, a joyful deconstruction, and a testament to the staying power of both Shakespeare and Max Martin's songwriting genius. The musical, which poses the delightful question of 'what if Juliet lived?' is proving to be far more than just a fluffy, feel-good show - it's a cultural moment.

For decades, the 'jukebox musical' has been a staple of the theatrical landscape. Traditionally, these shows have fitted pre-existing songs around a narrative, often feeling forced or contrived. "& Juliet" smartly flips this script. Instead of shoehorning hits into a story, it uses Max Martin's unparalleled catalogue of pop anthems - the songs that soundtracked a generation - to drive the narrative, crafting a surprisingly organic and emotionally resonant journey for Juliet as she navigates life after Romeo. Tracks like "...Baby One More Time," "I Want It That Way," and "Roar" aren't just catchy earworms; they are expertly integrated to reflect Juliet's evolving emotional state, her rebellion, and her eventual self-discovery.

The show's brilliance lies in its understanding that "Romeo and Juliet" has always been less about a perfect romance and more about impulsive youth and societal pressures. By removing the tragic ending, "& Juliet" allows Juliet to break free from being defined solely by her relationship and, crucially, by her death. Ciara Renee's portrayal is pivotal to this. She doesn't play Juliet as a damsel in distress, but as a young woman actively choosing her own destiny, imbuing the role with both power and vulnerability. While Rodrigo Duran delivers a strong performance as Romeo, the show astutely avoids recentering the narrative on their romance, reinforcing the focus on Juliet's individual journey.

This shift in focus speaks to a broader trend in modern musical theatre. Audiences are increasingly drawn to stories that champion female empowerment and reject tired tropes. The show isn't just a superficial gloss of feminism; it actively explores themes of agency, self-worth, and the importance of female relationships, particularly highlighted by Brandi Disterheft's comedic and heartwarming turn as Nurse. The creative team clearly understands that simply including female characters isn't enough - these characters must be complex, multifaceted, and given the space to grow.

Beyond the narrative, the production values of "& Juliet" are consistently high. The choreography is energetic and inventive, the staging is visually stunning, and the costumes are appropriately flamboyant. However, it's the overall energy of the show that truly captivates. It's impossible not to be swept up in the infectious enthusiasm and the sheer joy radiating from the stage.

While critics might rightly point out the plot's relative simplicity, dismissing it as 'silly' or 'predictable', it's precisely this lack of pretension that makes "& Juliet" so appealing. It doesn't aim for profound intellectual depth, it strives for pure, unadulterated entertainment. And it succeeds spectacularly. In a world often saturated with cynicism, "& Juliet" offers a welcome dose of escapism, reminding us of the power of music, the importance of self-love, and the enduring appeal of a good story, even - and perhaps especially - when it's delightfully subverted. The show runs at the Dr. Phillips Center through January 18th, with tickets starting at $49.75, and is a must-see for anyone looking for a night of unforgettable musical theatre.