TORONTO — Canadian stage actress Vanessa Sears is set to return to her role as the iconic and hopeless romantic Juliet Capulet, this time with a lively pop music twist. Mirvish Productions has announced that Sears will lead an all-Canadian cast in the jukebox musical "& Juliet," which will make its return to Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre later this year.
Originally from Deep River, Ontario, Sears is no stranger to the character of Juliet, having portrayed her previously in the Stratford Festival's 2024 production of William Shakespeare's tragic love story. In "& Juliet," she will bring a more comedic interpretation of the character, exploring a playful narrative that envisions what might have happened had Romeo and Juliet chosen to go their separate ways instead of succumbing to their tragic fate.
The musical's book was written by Toronto playwright David West Read and is powered by the pop hits of Swedish producer Max Martin. Audiences can expect to hear well-known tracks such as "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely," "Since U Been Gone," and "Roar" as part of the vibrant score that drives the narrative forward.
& Juliet is scheduled for a limited run from December 3, 2025, to March 22, 2026. Tickets for this highly anticipated production are already available for purchase through the Mirvish website, signifying strong interest in the show even before its opening.
Vanessa Sears has become a familiar face in Mirvish productions, having previously starred in the 2015 rendition of "Kinky Boots." Additionally, she is set to appear in "Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812" during the summer, further cementing her status as a prominent figure in the Canadian theatre scene.
Other notable Canadians joining the cast of the new "& Juliet" include David Silvestri, who gained recognition for his role in "Come From Away," and Julia McLellan, who has performed in various productions like "Kinky Boots" and "Six." George Krissa, a veteran of both the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, will also bring his talents to the project, promising to contribute to a robust and dynamic ensemble.
The musical first premiered in North America in July 2022 and enjoyed a successful Broadway run later that same year. This occurred during a time when theatre productions began to resume activities following COVID-19-related closures, making "& Juliet" a notable addition to the revitalization of live performances.
As excitement builds for the return of "& Juliet" to Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre, the combination of a star-studded all-Canadian cast and a compelling storyline inspired by pop hits promises to deliver an engaging experience for audiences. With its blend of humor, music, and theatre, this adaptation aims to provide a fresh perspective on the timeless tale of love and choice.
