Drew Gehling will join the Tony Award-nominated musical “& Juliet.” Gehling will step into the role of Shakespeare on Aug. 16 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. He will replace Austin Scott, who will play his final performance on Aug.11. Understudies Daniel Assetta and Andrew Chappelle are expected to play the role during the Aug. 13-15 interim.
Gehling most recently appeared on the Main Stem playing Jeff Bebe in 2022’s “Almost Famous.” He originated the role of Dr. Pomatter in Broadway’s “Waitress” and played multiple tenures in the role during the original and return engagements. Gehling’s other Broadway credits include replacing as Bob Gaudio in “Jersey Boys” and taking on the role of Warren Smith in the 2011 revival of “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever.”
Also newly announced is the departure date of three “& Juliet” original principal cast members. Ben Jackson Walker, Justin David Sullivan and Philippe Arroyo, who play Romeo, May and François, respectively, will play their final performance on Oct. 27. All three actors, who have been with the show since its November 2022 opening, made their Broadway debuts in these roles. Replacements are still to be announced.
David West Read’s Tony-nominated book for “& Juliet” imagines a new ending to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in which the titular heroine survives and embarks on a journey of female empowerment set against a background of Max Martin pop anthems. The musical opened on Nov. 17, 2022 and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including a nod for Best Musical. The production announced recoupment in June.
In addition to Scott, Walker, Sullivan and Arroyo, the current principal cast of “& Juliet” includes Maya Boyd as Juliet, Paulo Szot as Lance, Betsy Wolfe (who recently announced her final performance) as Anne Hathaway and Jeannette Bayardelle as Angélique. Casting is by Stephen Kopel and Carrie Gardner.
“& Juliet” is produced by Max Martin and Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd and Eva Price.
