News Summary
& JULIET, a unique take on Shakespeare’s tale, will be performed at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Orange County from September 9 to 21. Featuring a popular score by Max Martin and a fresh narrative where Juliet chooses life instead of death, this musical appeals to both Shakespeare enthusiasts and pop music fans. Starring Teal Wicks as Anne Hathaway, the production addresses themes of self-discovery and empowerment, enhancing its connection to modern audiences. Tickets are available for those eager to experience this compelling blend of classic and contemporary.
Orange County, California will host the jukebox musical & JULIET at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts from September 9 to 21. This production, which recently concluded a successful run at The Ahmanson Theatre, offers a fresh take on the classic tale of Shakespeare’s Juliet.
& JULIET reimagines the story of Juliet in a vibrant and engaging manner, presenting an alternate ending where she does not choose to end her life after finding Romeo dead. The show features a score by well-known producer Max Martin, who has crafted numerous pop hits since the 1990s, making the musical appealing to both fans of Shakespeare and contemporary pop music alike.
The musical had a notable Broadway debut in 2023, earning nine nominations for the prestigious Tony Awards. It incorporates an abundance of popular songs such as “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys, “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson, and “Roar” by Katy Perry, further enhancing its accessibility and entertainment value.
Star Cast and Themes
Teal Wicks stars as Anne Hathaway, the wife of Shakespeare, who is determined to rewrite Juliet’s narrative. Wicks is notable for her previous performances in strong female roles, including her nearly three-year portrayal of Elphaba in the musical Wicked, as well as roles in The Cher Show and Jekyll & Hyde.
In discussing her role, Wicks emphasized how & JULIET serves as an engaging introduction to Shakespeare for children and highlights important themes of self-discovery and female empowerment. The show also touches on notions of gender identity in a celebratory fashion, further broadening its relevance to modern audiences.
Wicks’ Background and Career
Teal Wicks has a rich history with the work of Shakespeare, recalling her first performance as Calpurnia in Julius Caesar during her fifth-grade year. She drew parallels between Shakespeare’s longstanding impact on the English language and contemporary cultural influences found on platforms like TikTok.
Wicks is known for her improvisational skills, often incorporating dance elements into her portrayal of Anne Hathaway. Reflecting on her time as Elphaba, she acknowledged how that experience shaped her career and resonates with her fan base, fondly referred to as the Twickies.
Wicks’ Personal Connection to California
Wicks expressed her excitement about returning to Southern California, mentioning her fondness for Newport Beach and the chance to explore new areas such as Silver Lake.
Production Details and Ticketing Information
As the production approaches, excitement builds among theatergoers. Wicks also shared personal aspirations about retaining one of her costumes from & JULIET, which consists of a stylish green corset, skirt, and gray boots.
Tickets for & JULIET at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts are now available for purchase, offering audiences an opportunity to experience this innovative blend of Shakespearean narrative and modern pop culture. With its star-studded cast and broad themes, the musical promises to deliver an unforgettable experience to those attending during its two-week run.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cultural Events Set to Enrich Orange County Community
Los Angeles Welcomes ‘And Juliet’ Musical
Additional Resources
- Broadway World: Interview with Teal Wicks
- OC Register: Review of Life of Pi
- LA Times: Earth Day Fix-It Fair at Segerstrom Center
- Newport Beach Independent: 2025-26 Broadway Season Unveiled
- OC Register: Review of A Beautiful Noise
- Wikipedia: Musical Theatre
- Google Search: Theater Reviews
- Google Scholar: Musical Theatre
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Musical Theatre
- Google News: Theater Productions
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
