Broadway Across Canada has returned to the National Arts Centre with its latest offering, & Juliet, and it’s an absolute blast from start to finish. Nominated for nine Tony Awards, this production once again proves that the team behind these touring selections knows exactly what audiences want—high-energy, crowd-pleasing theatre that delivers both spectacle and substance.
& Juliet is a jukebox musical built around the catalogue of legendary songwriter Max Martin. While his name might not be instantly recognizable to everyone, his music certainly is. With 29 Billboard Hot 100 number-one hits to his name, Martin’s songs have defined pop music for decades, and this show cleverly weaves them into a narrative that feels both fresh and familiar. The result is a soundtrack packed with hits that have the audience tapping their feet, singing along, and fully engaged from the opening number to the curtain call.
The premise itself is a clever twist on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Instead of ending in heartbreak, & Juliet imagines a world where Juliet chooses to live. She sets off for Paris with her friends, ready to rewrite her story and rediscover herself. It’s a fun and empowering “what if” scenario that breathes new life into a tale we all thought we knew.
I’ll admit, jukebox musicals can be hit or miss. Sometimes the song choices feel forced or disconnected from the story. That’s not the case here. & Juliet absolutely hits—and with baseball season around the corner, it doesn’t just hit, it knocks it out of the park.
The song selection is sharp, and more importantly, the placement of each number is incredibly well-timed. The music enhances the story rather than distracting from it, which is no small feat given how recognizable these songs are.
Beyond the music, the performers truly bring this show to life. CJ Eldred as William Shakespeare and Crystal Kellogg as Anne Hathaway are standouts, delivering a dynamic and often hilarious onstage partnership. Anne’s role in reshaping Juliet’s destiny adds a clever meta-layer to the show, and the chemistry between the two performers keeps the audience fully invested.
Juliet is played by Fabiola Caraballo Quijada, and she is perfectly cast. Very vocal range is incredible and she brings the character to exuberant life.
As the story unfolds, one of the most striking elements is its strong message of female empowerment. Juliet isn’t defined by her past—she’s actively shaping her future. The show challenges traditional narratives and presents a version of Shakespeare that feels modern, self-aware, and refreshingly bold. In many ways, & Juliet feels like a spiritual sibling to Six, another production that celebrates strong female voices with a contemporary edge.
The choreography is energetic and polished, matching the tone of the music perfectly, while the overall production design keeps the pacing tight and visually engaging. Every element works together to create a show that is consistently entertaining.
At the end of the day, & Juliet is simply a lot of fun. It’s vibrant, witty, and packed with moments that will leave you smiling. More importantly, it’s a fantastic reminder of why going to the theatre is such a rewarding experience. If you’re looking for a night out that delivers energy, nostalgia, and a fresh take on a classic story, this is a great reason to head to the theatre.
Visit the National Arts Centre website to get your tickets: & Juliet | Mar 24 – 29, 2026 | Southam Hall | National Arts Centre
For information on Broadway Across Canada shows coming soon to Ottawa, visit ottawa.broadway.com/shows/.
Photos: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
