Ottawa's NAC Is Serving Pure Pop Theatre Joy Right Now
Ottawa's National Arts Centre is the place to be this week, and if you haven't snagged tickets to & Juliet yet, you're running out of time. Broadway Across Canada's latest touring production runs through March 29th, and it's exactly the kind of high-energy, feel-good theatre that makes you forget the tail end of a long Ottawa winter.
Nominated for nine Tony Awards, & Juliet asks a deliciously simple question: what if Juliet didn't die? What if she tossed the script, grabbed her girls, and headed to Paris to figure out who she really is? The result is a gloriously fun romp through heartbreak, self-discovery, and friendship — all set to a wall-to-wall playlist of Max Martin's biggest pop hits.
A Soundtrack That Slaps
If you've ever belted out Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, or Ariana Grande in your car, this show was made for you. The musical weaves together decades of chart-topping anthems into a cohesive, surprisingly emotional story. Songs like ...Baby One More Time, Roar, and Since U Been Gone hit different when they're serving actual narrative purpose — and the cast sells every single moment.
The performances are electric. Juliet is bold and funny and achingly real, and the supporting ensemble keeps the energy sky-high from the opening number to the finale. The choreography is sharp, the staging is clever, and the whole production has a confidence that comes from knowing its audience and delivering exactly what they came for.
More Than Just a Good Time
What makes & Juliet stand out from your average jukebox musical is that it actually has something to say. The story touches on identity, queerness, grief, and the courage it takes to rewrite your own ending. It's wrapped in glitter and bops, yes — but the emotional beats land harder than you'd expect.
There's also a refreshing meta-theatrical element: Shakespeare himself is a character, bumbling alongside his wife Anne Hathaway (not that one) as she rewrites the story in real time. It's witty, warm, and genuinely funny without ever feeling smug.
Don't Wait on This One
Broadway Across Canada has built a strong track record of bringing quality touring productions to the NAC, and & Juliet is among their best. It's the kind of show that plays perfectly for a date night, a girls' trip, or honestly just a solo night out when you need to remember that life can be joyful and loud and full of great music.
The run ends March 29th, so this is genuinely your last chance. Tickets are available through the NAC box office and the Broadway Across Canada website.
Ottawa, this one's a don't-miss — go see it before Juliet leaves town.
Source: Ottawa Life Magazine. Original article published at ottawalife.com.
