&Juliet in Montreal

Shot by Evan Zimmerman

Review by Sarah Evangelista

March 17, 2026

Montreal, QC @ Place Des Arts

Photo by Evan Zimmerman

To be frank, I had only heard of the name &Juliet before seeing it live. I knew nothing about the plot, the songs, or the cast… and honestly, that might have been the best way to experience it.

I highly recommend going into a musical blind at least once, just for the thrill of it. And with &Juliet, that choice paid off completely. What unfolded on stage at Place des Arts was vibrant, unexpected, and genuinely so much fun.

At its core, &Juliet flips the classic Shakespearean story on its head, imagining what would happen if Juliet didn’t die at the end of Romeo and Juliet. But instead of feeling like a gimmick, the concept is executed with so much charm and energy that it becomes something entirely its own. Throughout the play, CJ Eldred (Shakespeare) creates the storyline while his partner Crystal Kellogg (Anne Hathaway) adds her input (and herself) into Juliet’s story. It’s empowering, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt.

What really makes the show stand out is its use of pop music—think iconic hits you already know and love, seamlessly woven into the story. Instead of feeling forced, each song actually drives the narrative forward, and there were multiple moments where the audience audibly reacted, either laughing, cheering, or instantly recognizing a track. With the use of Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life”, Demi Lovato’s “Confident”, and Katy Perry’s “Roar”, the production seamlessly intertwined the songs in a way that made sense throughout the plot.

The cast brought an infectious energy that never dipped. With Fabiola Caraballo Quijada as Juliet, Joseph Torres (Romeo), and Nico Ochoa (May), every performance felt intentional and full of personality. Visually, the production was just as engaging—bold costumes, dynamic staging, and lighting that matched the show’s high-energy tone.

What surprised me most was how balanced it all felt. It’s easy for a jukebox musical to lean too heavily on nostalgia, but &Juliet manages to pair spectacle with substance. Underneath all the fun, there’s a strong message about independence, rewriting your own story, and stepping outside expectations.

Walking in with zero expectations and walking out completely impressed is a rare experience. & Juliet didn’t just meet the hype—it created it for me in real time.

The production will be at Montreal’s Place Des Arts until March 22nd.