Broadway: Plays By Its Own Rules
Broadway thrives when it dares to reinvent itself, and few shows embody that fearless spirit more than & Juliet. Now celebrating its third year on Broadway with more than 1,000 performances and record-breaking success at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, the production continues to captivate audiences by flipping the script on Shakespeare’s most iconic love story.
What if Juliet did not die for Romeo? What if she had the chance to choose her own path, her own love, her own story? This bold question is the heartbeat of & Juliet, written by Emmy Award–winning Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read and set to a playlist of global pop hits by five-time Grammy Award–winning songwriter Max Martin. From “Since U Been Gone” and “Roar” to “I Want It That Way” and “Confident,” the show pulses with music that unites generations in joy and empowerment.
Described by Variety as “exactly the show Broadway needs right now” and by Forbes as “pure joy from beginning to end,” & Juliet has become a phenomenon across nine countries and four continents, with fans rising to their feet nightly. Its combination of Shakespearean wit, pop music spectacle, and contemporary attitude proves that Broadway’s greatest strength is its ability to evolve, adapt, and surprise.
A New Chapter for Juliet
As the show enters this milestone season, the role of Juliet is being reimagined yet again with fresh energy. Gianna Harris, a dynamic talent with Broadway and screen credits, now steps into the title role. Her arrival underscores the show’s ongoing evolution and its embrace of new voices and perspectives.
“I fell in love with & Juliet the first time I saw the show, and it has been such an incredible experience to join the company and play the role of ‘Juliet’ on Broadway! Juliet is so courageous and driven, and the show is a perfect combination of comedy, pop music, and heart. It’s such a joy to bring a fun and uplifting story to audiences every night!” says Harris.
Alongside her, Cheryl Porter, the celebrated vocal coach turned viral sensation, will make her Broadway debut as Angélique, adding another layer of excitement to the company. Together, the new cast ensures that & Juliet remains as vibrant and relevant as the day it opened, continuing to challenge expectations of what Broadway can be.
“I fell in love with & Juliet the first time I saw the show, and it has been such an incredible experience to join the company and play the role of ‘Juliet’ on Broadway! Juliet is so courageous and driven, and the show is a perfect combination of comedy, pop music, and heart. It’s such a joy to bring a fun and uplifting story to audiences every night!”
Gianna Harris
The Joy of Reinvention
At its core, & Juliet is more than a musical. It is a movement that celebrates resilience, humor, and the courage to choose one’s own story. By breaking the rules of Shakespeare’s tragedy, it makes room for a narrative of empowerment that resonates far beyond the stage.
In doing so, the show reflects the new identity of Broadway itself—daring, joyful, and unafraid to rewrite the script.
& Juliet is now playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York City. Tickets are available at the box office and online at AndJulietBroadway.com.
Follow @andjulietbway for more.
Photography By Evan Zimmerman.