The licensing rights to 2023 Best Musical Tony Award nominee “& Juliet” have been acquired by Music Theatre International (MTI).
Featuring a Tony-nominated book by David West Read set to a slew of Max Martin pop tunes, “& Juliet” offers an alternate ending to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in which the titular heroine survives and embarks on a journey of female empowerment.
“This brand-new take on a classic story is a high-energy treat for fans of the Bard and fans of great pop music,” said Drew Cohen, president and CEO of MTI, in a statement. “The songs of Max Martin are pop hits known the world over that have been the soundtrack to all of our lives. David West Read’s witty, fun and empowering book makes this new take on this centuries-old tale more relevant than ever. We can’t wait to offer ‘& Juliet’ to theaters all around the world.”
“I am thrilled that ‘& Juliet’ will continue to thrive under the stewardship of MTI and inspire both performers and audiences,” Read added. “While this musical brings plenty of fun, incredible dance numbers and pop songs that are known and loved around the world, it is, at its core, a show about starting over, learning to love yourself and fighting for a better ending to your story — no matter who you are or where you come from. I hope that’s one of the things people take away from the show.”
Featuring direction by Luke Sheppard, “& Juliet” opened on Nov. 17, 2022 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. The production was nominated for nine Tony Awards. A national tour launched in September. The original West End production premiered in 2019, while a previously announced October bow in Germany will mark the musical’s first non-English language production.
Licensing availability for “& Juliet” will be announced.
Other recent acquisitions by MTI include “Kimberly Akimbo,” as well as special school editions of “Beetlejuice” and “Once Upon a One More Time.”
