No Lift, Still a Love Story: ‘& Juliet’ Trades Spectacle for Scrappiness on Tour
There are shows you go back to because you enjoyed them, and then there are shows you return to because they completely reshaped your expectations the first time. & Juliet sits firmly in that second category. Having seen the production twice on Broadway, walking into the touring version came with a built-in comparison, whether I wanted it to or not. And while this tour absolutely delivers on the spirit of the show, it is undeniably a different experience.
[Warning: spoilers from the North American touring production of & Juliet are below!]
At its core, & Juliet remains exactly what audiences fell in love with. It flips the narrative of Shakespeare’s tragedy and asks what happens if Juliet chooses to live, set against a soundtrack of Max Martin’s biggest hits. The show is still clever, still funny, and still packed with moments when the entire audience collectively leans in and then bursts into laughter or applause. That foundation is strong enough to survive adaptation, but the changes made for the tour are immediately noticeable.
A remix we know… just not the same mix in & Juliet
The biggest shift comes in the overall spectacle. On Broadway, & Juliet thrives on movement and visual dynamism. The turntable is constantly in motion, creating seamless transitions and elevating even the smallest scenes into something cinematic. That element is completely absent on tour, and its absence is felt. Without it, transitions feel more traditional and, at times, a bit clunky compared to the fluidity of the original production. It is not a dealbreaker, but it does remove a layer of polish that helped make the Broadway version feel so immersive. The same can be said for the lack of an onstage elevator. That vertical movement added a level of drama and visual excitement that simply cannot be replicated here. Certain moments that once had a sense of lift and spectacle now feel more grounded. Even the pre-show felt abbreviated, less like an invitation into the world and more like a quick lead-in to the main event.
All of this is said with the understanding that touring productions operate under entirely different constraints. You cannot install complex stage mechanics in every city. You cannot guarantee that every venue can support the same technical elements. Cost, logistics, and adaptability all play a role. Recognizing that does not make the differences disappear, but it does frame them in a way that feels fair.
The cast said, “Don’t worry, we got this.”
The principal cast of & Juliet on tour delivers a well-balanced mix of powerhouse vocals, sharp comedy, and emotional grounding, with each lead carving out a distinct presence. Juliet, played by Jimmy Award Winner Fabiola Caraballo Quijada, anchors the show with a performance that feels both contemporary and sincere, effortlessly carrying the emotional arc while still leaning into the show’s playful tone.
Shakespeare (CJ Eldred) brings a lively, often chaotic energy as both narrator and participant, while Crystal Kellogg gives us an Anne who serves as his perfect foil, offering a grounded, witty counterbalance that keeps their dynamic engaging and surprisingly layered.
Lance (Paul-Jourdan Jansen) provides some of the show’s biggest comedic moments, pairing humor with unexpected heart, while Angelique (Kathryn Allison) commands the stage with vocal strength and confidence, delivering standout moments that feel both bold and empowering. Romeo, as portrayed by swing Josh Fermin, steps in seamlessly with charm and confidence, and May, played by swing Jourdan Ibe, remains one of the most emotionally resonant performances of the evening.
François, played by Noah Marlowe, brings a gentle sincerity to the role, though some of the romantic chemistry, particularly in physical moments, feels less fully developed. Altogether, this cast proves that even with scaled-back production elements, it is the performers who ultimately drive the show’s impact.
These performances highlight an important aspect of this tour. Without the larger technical elements, the responsibility shifts more heavily onto the performers. And for the most part, they rise to that challenge.
That said, there are moments when the production falters, and one of the most noticeable issues is chemistry. Specifically, the stage kisses. They consistently felt off. Not just slightly awkward, but enough to pull focus. In a show that relies on emotional connection and romantic tension, those moments need to land. Here, they often felt hesitant or disconnected, creating a ripple effect in scenes meant to feel intimate or transformative. The most curious example of this is François, played by Noah Marlowe. François is written as open, vulnerable, and deeply connected to Juliet’s journey. It is a role that should naturally foster believable chemistry. Instead, the physical interactions felt restrained, raising questions. Whether it is a matter of direction, blocking, or performer dynamics, it stands out in a way that feels at odds with the rest of the show’s energy.
Despite these critiques, the production still delivers a genuinely entertaining experience. The music remains a major driver. The audience reaction alone proves how effective the song choices are, with moments that feel more like a concert than a traditional musical. The humor still hits, and the show’s self-awareness keeps it from ever taking itself too seriously. What becomes clear over the course of the performance is that & Juliet is resilient. Strip away some of the spectacle, and the material still holds. The story still connects. The audience still leaves energized. The question then becomes not whether the tour is good, but how it compares. And the answer is that it is a scaled version of something bigger. It trades some of the visual wow factor for practicality, but it retains enough of its identity to remain enjoyable.
& Juliet is still a show worth your time
The verdict is this. If you have never seen & Juliet, this is absolutely worth your time. You will still get the humor, the music, and the heart that define the show. If you have seen it on Broadway, you will notice what is missing. The experience is not as visually striking, and some moments lack the same impact. But it is still a strong, entertaining production that proves the show’s core is solid. At the end of the day, & Juliet on tour may be a bit less flashy, but it still knows how to throw a party.
& Juliet runs at the Fisher Theatre through April 12th, so get your tickets from ATG Detroit! Check out the & Juliet website to see when it’s arriving in a city near you! Have you seen & Juliet? What did you think of the musical? Share your thoughts on social media and tag @bsb.insider to continue the conversation!
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