As the Tony Award-nominated musical “& Juliet” approaches its one-year anniversary, a trio of ensemble members are being added to the company. Broadway alums Phil Colgan, Andrew Chappelle and Makai Hernandez are the newly announced fall additions to the cast at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
Colgan, who joined the cast on Oct. 7, has taken on the role of Crosse and is also a company swing and assistant dance captain. His prior Broadway credits are “Hamilton” and “New York, New York.” Colgan replaced original cast member Nico DeJesus, whose final performance in “& Juliet” was a day after Colgan joined, Oct. 8.
Chappelle will begin performances on Oct. 31 as Lord Capulet, Sly and Bouncer, in addition to understudying the roles of Shakespeare and Lance. An original cast member of “Hamilton,” Chappelle also appeared on Broadway in “Mamma Mia!” Chappelle will take over for original company member Nicholas Edwards, who will remain with the company until Nov. 12.
Hernandez will join the cast on Nov. 1 as Richard, as well as an understudy for the roles of Romeo and Francois. Hernandez is a member of the original company of “A Beautiful Noise.” He will replace original “& Juliet” cast member Brandon Antonio, who will exit the production on Oct. 29.
The new company members join a current cast led by Tony nominee Lorna Courtney as Juliet, Tony winner Paulo Szot as Lance, Tony nominee Betsy Wolfe as Anne Hathaway, Austin Scott as Shakespeare, Justin David Sullivan as May, Melanie La Barrie as Angelique, Ben Jackson Walker as Romeo and Philippe Arroyo as Francois, with Michael Iván Carrier, Virgil Gadson, Bobby “Pocket” Horner, Joomin Hwang, Megan Kane, Alaina Vi Maderal, Daniel J. Maldonado, Joe Moeller, Brittany Nicholas, Ava Noble, Veronica Otim, Jasmine Rafael, Matt Raffy, Tiernan Tunnicliffe and Rachel Webb.
Directed by Luke Sheppard and featuring a Tony-nominated book by David West Read and the pop songs of Max Martin, “& Juliet” envisions a world after “Romeo & Juliet” in which Juliet survives and sets out on a female-empowerment journey. The musical began previews on Oct. 28, 2022 and officially opened on Nov. 17.
“& Juliet” is produced on Broadway by songwriter Martin, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd and Eva Price.
