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)
Frequently asked questions
How long is & Juliet?
The running time of & Juliet is 2hr 40min. Incl. 1 intermission.
Where is & Juliet playing?
& Juliet is playing at Stephen Sondheim Theatre. The theatre is located at 124 West 43rd Street (between Broadway and 6th Avenue), New York, 10036.
What's the age requirement for & Juliet?
The recommended age for & Juliet is Ages 8+. Children under 4 will not be admitted into the theatre..
How do you book tickets for & Juliet?
Book tickets for & Juliet on New York Theatre Guide.
Is Shakespeare a character in & Juliet?
Shakespeare is one of the main characters in the musical. The events of the show unfold as he and his wife, Anne Hathaway, co-author a new ending for his play Romeo & Juliet in real time.
Is & Juliet based on Romeo & Juliet?
& Juliet is loosely inspired by Romeo & Juliet, but the events of the musical begin where Shakespeare's play leaves off. Multiple characters from Romeo & Juliet appear — including the title characters and the Nurse — but there are new characters, too.
Who wrote & Juliet?
David West Read and Max Martin wrote & Juliet. Read, who wrote the script, is best known as a writer on the Emmy-winning sitcom Schitt's Creek. Martin, who wrote all the pop songs that appear in the show, is a Grammy-winning music producer and songwriter who's created hits for the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and more.
What songs are in & Juliet?
The 30 songs in & Juliet are all pop songs from the '90s to today, all written by Swedish music producer Max Martin. They include "I Want It That Way," "...Baby One More Time," "Since U Been Gone," and more. Learn about all the songs in & Juliet on Broadway.
Is & Juliet appropriate for kids?
& Juliet is recommended for ages 8 and up. The show contains some strong language and references to drinking alcohol, but the content is otherwise appropriate for all ages. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
Who directed & Juliet?
Luke Sheppard directed & Juliet on Broadway and in London's West End, where the show premiered. He makes his Broadway directorial debut with the show.
Is & Juliet good?
& Juliet received overall positive reviews from critics and is among the top-reviewed shows on New York Theatre Guide. Our review praises the show's "youthful exuberance" and energy, making & Juliet a great musical for anyone looking for a fun, uplifting time.
What is & Juliet about?
What would happen after Romeo and Juliet if Juliet didn't die? That's the question at the core of this pop-fueled musical created by the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt's Creek. Jam out to tunes made famous by Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, P!nk, Ariana Grande, and more, as Juliet travels to Paris with new friends and new love. Find out about & Juliet tickets.
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