& Juliet

I caught this in London last night and will add this to the list of shows that just shocked the hell out of me in the best possible way. I walk into any jukebox musical with the same skepticism but this one did it right and they knocked it out of the park in basically every single way.

The songs fit so perfectly into the story they were telling that there was (at least in my memory right now) no instance where I felt a song didn’t fit and was being forced in there. It really was almost as if the music was written for this show. I think since they had such a broad catalog to work with of Martin’s music it was a real advantage instead of a set list of songs from a certain album that they had to make sure fit.

And yes, I knew that it was a show the tweens are loving and I was told it was a “woke” show but this one did it RIGHT. Even the bits that reminded me of “Head Over Heels” was done so much better and without having to hit you over the head while screaming “YOU MUST ACCEPT ALL OF THESE THINGS!!!” and in any other show, I would roll my eyes at a lot of it. But they actually seemed to take the time to craft truly well written characters and dialogue and, to the extent it can be said for a show like this, believable situations.

I also must say that the cast is uniformly perfect. From Miriam-Teak Lee’s powerhouse vocals and lovely turn as Juliet (I think she can absolutely be the next big thing) to Jordan Luke Gage’s hilariously douchy Romeo, Oliver Tompsett’s hilarious Shakespeare, Cassidy Janson as Anne (it takes a hell of a voice to kill a Celine song and she did just that) to honestly everyone else. I just can’t think of anything I didn’t like in this show.

And what a great and rare surprise that is.

Updated On: 12/1/19 at 06:13 AM

Isn't it great!!

I remember when it was announced I was very sceptical, but when the word of mouth was so good from Manchester I started to really look forward to it, and was blown away when I saw it.

Miriam was the Angelica understudy in the OLC of Hamilton - she was amazing in that role and is even more amazing here. And of course, West End royalty Cassidy Janson smashes it. 

Thank you Jordan for the great news- seeing it in March - third row center - just on a hunch because I loved Moulin Rouge so much- and was hoping that the story here- with a strongly feminist message- and raves for Miriam before the show opened in West End- just decided to try it- so glad you loved it- will write back after seeing it in March. Also seeing- Hamilton- again- but second row center- Leopoldstatz, Nora- at the Young Vic- Six and The Visit- Tony Kushner adapted it and it will be at the National Theater- so I am hoping it is really good- missed the Chita musical.- but it sounded interesting- and love Chita. I do not have the time to see City Of Angels- which would have been my next choice. 

Jordan- what else did you see?

Updated On: 12/1/19 at 12:01 PM

Clyde15 said: "Has anyone heard if this could make its way to New York in the next few years? I want to see it so bad but don’t have the funds to make it to London for a while "


I can’t imagine any reality where this doesn’t transfer. 

Jordan - just got a ticket thanks to you.  seeing it after Christmas 

That's so exciting to read. I'm going to London for my first time in April. Currently in queue for 4000 Miles tickets, but I probably only have room for one other show. Should I go with & Juliet or Everybody's Talking About Jamie? 

Add me to the list of people who ADORE this show. Four times already and can't wait to go back...and I am normally far too busy to see anything more than once or twice - I see in the region of 150 productions a year between London and NYC. It's a lot cleverer than it initially appears on the surface (and it is a gaudily beautiful surface), it's very funny, surprisingly poignant and the cast are all sensational (Miriam-Teak Lee -Juliet- exudes star quality out of every pore).

It's an explosion of joy, excitement and exhilaration at a time when it's most needed. Should be at the top of the must-see list of every musical lover visiting London. I loved it as much as Moulin Rouge.

 

I thought Jamie was excellent- you cannot go wrong if you love this type of music and subject matter- similar, I assume to Juliet- which I am seeing in March. I would say that since Juliet is new- that might be more fun to see.