By Sandi Masori
SAN DIEGO— What if Juliet never actually died and her story continued? That’s what playwright David West Read imagines in & Juliet, currently playing at Broadway San Diego.
In this whimsical jukebox musical, Will Shakespeare (CJ Eldred) and his wife Anne Hathaway (Crystal Kellogg) try to write a new play together. Shakespeare wants to stay with the star-crossed lovers tragedy, while Anne wants more of a female empowerment storyline. Shakespeare maintains that without conflict there’s no story, and Anne wants harmony.
Then there’s the play within the play within the play, as the characters take on a life of their own, together with, and independent of, their “creators.” In this new version, Juliet (Fabiola Caraballo Quijada), who is only 14, or maybe in her 20s (her age changes during the show) doesn’t really even know if she wants to get married but feels that she has to. She’s still mourning Romeo’s (Joseph Torres) death, and coming to terms with learning that he was a total womanizer. She flees her home, then agrees to marry Francois (Noah Marlowe) but only to avoid the nunnery. Francois in turn is only marrying her to to avoid going into the military, but he’s really in love with non-binary May (Nico Ochoa).
The storyline may be a little confusing to summarize but the execution of it under director Luke Sheppard is delightful. The remastered pop songs, humor and vibrant costumes really bring the story to life in a joyous celebration of independence and self-determination.
Kudos to costume designer Paloma Young on her imaginative colorful costumes that are from both then (1400s) and now. The dancing choreographed by Jennifer Weber was well-done. The entire show moves at a fast pace that makes the 2.5 hours go by quickly.
Shout outs are due to Kathryn Allison for her role as Angelique the nurse (wow! What a voice!) and Paul Jordan Jamison (as Francois’ father Lance) who had the best humorous lines, delivered with deadpan seriousness.
Though there is some adult language, I think this show would appeal to all ages. The audience walks out with a feeling of hope and energy, and a big smile.
& Juliet runs through Sunday, Oct. 19.
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Associate Editor Sandi Masori is a theater and restaurant reviewer for San Diego Jewish World.