Spotlight on '& Juliet' with Gianna Harris

As part of a series showcasing long-running Broadway shows, we speak to the title star of the hit pop musical that reimagines a Shakespearean heroine's story.

Summary

• & Juliet star Gianna Harris discusses starring in the Broadway pop musical and its staying power
• The show follows Shakespeare's Juliet on a journey of self-discovery and is set to 30 hit pop songs

From traditional revivals to modern reimaginings, Shakespeare shows are always coming on and off Broadway stages, but & Juliet is in its own category. It's not a Romeo & Juliet adaptation, but an original story that starts where Romeo & Juliet ends — but this time, Juliet decides to live and start fresh. Her journey of self-discovery and empowerment is set to a score of 30 pop hits made famous by artists like Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, and Kelly Clarkson.

Like Baz Luhrmann's 1996 Romeo + Juliet film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes before it, and a 2024 Broadway revival of the play (also styled with a plus sign) starring Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler after it, & Juliet proves Shakespeare's story remains relevant — and cool — for each new generation. That's due in part to the casting of fresh young talent, and & Juliet currently stars 20-year-old Gianna Harris, who previously appeared in Hell's Kitchen and School of Rock and now plays her first lead Broadway role as Juliet.

As & Juliet approaches its third Broadway anniversary in October, Harris reflects on why the musical continually remains stronger than yesterday.

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Why do you think this show has lasted for so long on Broadway?

Everyone who sees it can connect to it, whether that be through the music, the characters, or the story. Everyone sees parts of themselves being shared and celebrated.

What is the best audience reaction you have seen to the show?

The best audience reaction is always from the young people out there. It is so important that we teach the youth to be true to themselves and to be confident about it. I’m so lucky to be a carrier of this message.

What is your favorite moment in the show?

My favorite moment in the show is the reveal into the iconic "Roar" costume. Not only is it so epic, but it is the moment that we see Juliet rise from the ashes as the glittering phoenix she is!

What is a little-known secret about performing in the show?

I think this goes for every show, but there are little moments that we create with each other on stage and backstage. Little routines that slowly creep into the fabric of the show. These moments are just as important as the scripted ones because that is where the real chemistry of a company shines.

What do you hope audiences take away from the show?

I hope that everyone who sees & Juliet leaves the theatre feeling empowered to be their most authentic self. That they walk away knowing they are enough just the way they are!

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Photo credit: Gianna Harris in & Juliet. (Photos by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)