Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Plus it’s a jukebox show of Max Martin songs, so it skipped all that tough business of actually coming up with an original score and implanting it in an audience’s brain in favor of amped-up renditions of songs made famous by the likes of Ellie Goulding, Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Ariana Grande. When the narrative starts to sag, the audience wakes up and bops in the seats to “Roar,” “Baby One More Time” and, that great classic of the non-apology, “Oops! I Did It Again.”"
Chicago Sun Times
- Highly Recommended
"...“& Juliet,” the buzzy new musical running through Dec. 15 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, reclaims Juliet’s story. Directed by Luke Sheppard and featuring some 30 pop tunes by hitmaker Max Martin set to stunning choreography by Jennifer Weber, the musical is a joyous, rambunctious, visually stunning firecracker of a show."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...Throughout the show’s 160 minutes, the cast, directed by Luke Sheppard, perform iconic vocals and stunning dance performances (choreography by Jennifer Weber). Webb’s Juliet is a highlight of the show, with her impeccable stage presence and a voice that gives justice to the original songs’ predecessors. & Juliet is a coming-of-age story that will transcend generationally through song and meaning. (And if you miss it this time, Broadway in Chicago has announced it’s coming back in July.)"
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Highly Recommended
"...& Juliet is definitely a jukebox musical at heart. The feminist plot playfully takes jabs at Shakespeare's tragedies, sacrilegiously suggesting that all of Shakespeare's plays be rewritten. Still, its high-energy performance, filled with wit, phenomenal songs, singing, acting, and dancing, makes it a must-see play. Although it includes a few inappropriate gestures and language, & Juliet is a fantastic production for families. The little girl sitting in front of me was utterly engrossed in the play; she absorbed every moment unfolding on stage, envisioning that she might be a star one day!"
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Have you ever asked yourself “What would have happened if Juliet did not kill herself over Romeo?” That is the question that is posed in the book by David West Read with music by Max Martin & freinds called ” & Juliet” now on the stage at The Cadillac Palace Theatre as part of Broadway In Chicago’s season. This musical is filled with mirth and songs that will make you think about relationships, from teens to adults. To love lost and love found and what if the story was changed?"
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...So aptly named, Broadway in Chicago’s latest offering, & JULIET, is every inch a true Broadway production playing for a limited time in Chicago. It’s not only a brilliantly clever reimagining of the “What If…” trope, as applied to Shakespeare’s ROMEO & JULIET; it’s a toe-tapping, hand-clapping, get-up-and-dance-in-the-aisles kind of musical that features a great score of pop hits from the 1990’s and early 2000’s. The cast is entirely stellar, including a hardworking ensemble who defy gravity with their choreographic ability and harmonic vocals. And this musical is particularly noteworthy in that it features a company of realistic-appearing folks from every walk of life, including a positive portrayal of a gay and a non-binary couple who, together, get to enjoy their own happily ever after ending."
Buzz Center Stage
- Highly Recommended
"...Full of jaw-dropping talent and creative pizazz, & Juliet is a theatrical event that leaves you wanting more. Especially for those who grew up listening to the pop sensations of the Backstreet Boys and Brittany Spears, the musical is sure to thrust you into nostalgia."
The Fourth Walsh
- Highly Recommended
"..."Romeo & Juliet" is iconic. Boy meets girl. They fall in love. Their families hate each other. They marry anyway. To escape the family feuds, Juliet fakes her death. Finding her lifeless, Romeo poisons himself. Juliet wakes to find his corpse. She then stabs herself to death. This legendary tale is widely regarded as 'the greatest love story ever told'... until now. Anne Hathaway questions why Juliet must die. No, not "Devil Wears Prada" Anne Hathaway. It's the original one, Mrs. Shakespeare herself. And she wants to know why her husband doesn't give his women characters a strong voice to make their own choices."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre
- Highly Recommended
"...& Juliet, the raucous, Shakespeare-adjacent pop musical, premiered on the West End in 2019 and took Broadway by storm with nine Tony nominations in 2023. Its first national tour, playing a quick stop at the Cadillac Palace, deserves to be a pre-holiday magnet for all fans of ‘90s pop music and/or a get-up-and-dance night in the Loop.
NewCity Chicago
- Recommended
"...The latest “jukebox musical” to hit Chicago, “& Juliet,” running through December 15 at Cadillac Palace, combines licensed music from über-producer Max Martin, a narrative like Shakespeare fanfiction, a script held together by puns and a meta self-awareness that makes the whole thing work."
