Cast of "& Juliet" Celebrates Music and Themes Ahead of Denver Performances
The cast and crew of "& Juliet" are set to dazzle audiences at the Buell Theatre starting Wednesday evening, showcasing a lively production that reimagines a classic Shakespearean tale. This musical, running through June 15 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, offers a fresh perspective on the story of Romeo and Juliet.
Unlike traditional interpretations, this rendition flips the narrative, infusing it with contemporary pop anthems. The cast promises a blend of humor and modernity, breathing new life into the age-old story. "I saw it and just fell in love with it," remarked Teal Wicks, who plays Anne Hathaway in the show.
The musical poses a thought-provoking question: What if Juliet had survived? This alternate ending unfolds through a soundtrack featuring iconic hits from the past three decades, including songs by Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, Kesha, and Katy Perry.
Kathryn Allison, portraying Angélique, emphasized the appeal of the music. "Of course, there is the music which I grew up listening to, which I adore," she said. "The fact that I get to sing 'Oops, I Did It Again' every night is the cherry on top."
As the cast navigates this reimagined narrative, they relish the audience's reactions when familiar songs seamlessly integrate into the storyline. "It is so fun for the audience to recognize the song," Wicks noted. "When they hear it transformed into a storytelling piece, you can feel them lean forward in anticipation and then erupt with excitement at the end."
Allison added that these songs evoke nostalgia, connecting deeply with audience members. "These songs came out at a very specific time in everyone's life. So, not only are they recognizing the song in the moment, but they are also reflecting on their own experiences while relating to the story," she explained.
Corey Mach takes on the role of Shakespeare himself, adding another layer to this vibrant production. "It is super nostalgic for me, not just as an actor but as a human being," he shared. Mach described the show as not only entertaining but also cleverly crafted, merging pop lyrics with the narrative in an intelligent way. "The way they chose to meld a scene into a song is so smart," he said.
While the original tale of Romeo and Juliet continues to resonate through time, the cast believes that "& Juliet" successfully appeals to a diverse audience. "It appeals to a wide range of ages," Allison stated. Wicks added, "Yes, Shakespeare was famous a long time ago. But he is also very clever, hip, and relevant because we are still referencing his storylines all the time."
Though familiarity with Shakespeare's work isn't necessary to enjoy the show, some cast members hope it ignites curiosity about his writings. "My hope is that they study the text of the original piece and come to see how it is interwoven throughout," Allison expressed.
Ultimately, Mach hopes that "& Juliet" brings joy through both its music and its themes. "Being your own person. Not letting another person's opinion inform how you live your life—there is joy in that aspect as well," he concluded.
Tickets for "& Juliet" are available online. The Denver Center for Performing Arts proudly partners with local media to promote this exciting production.
