Entertainment Weekly called it “exuberant, joyful & ingenious!” The hit West End jukebox-musical & Juliet is having its only Asian run from 21 September to 15 October at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
This is the only chance for Filipino musical fans to catch the smash hit musical before the holidays. The cast includes Filipino thespians Jerome Javier and Jade Delmiguez, which makes the coming-of-age musical even more exciting.
& Juilet imagines a “what if” scenario where Juliet does not die at the end of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It features the music of legendary Grammy-winning Swedish pop songwriter Max Martin and book by David West Read (who also wrote the Emmy-winning Schitt’s Creek.)
The musical bagged nine nominations and won three awards at the 2020 Laurence Olivier Awards.
& Juilet had its world premiere in 2019 at the Manchester Opera House before moving to London’s West End and eventually playing to sold-out crowds on Broadway. The pop anthems featured in the show include “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life,” “That’s The Way It Is” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”
The Singapore production
The & Juliet production playing at the Sands Theater in Singapore — thanks to live entertainment company Base Entertainment Asia — is the same Melbourne production that played at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in February this year.
Juliet is played by Lorinda May Merrypor, Amy Lehpamer plays Anne and Rob Mills plays Shakespeare.
DAILY TRIBUNE had an exclusive email chat with Javier and Delmiguez, who shared their experience as part of the hit show.
“Working in & Juilet feels like a dream every day. I’m so privileged to be a part of a show that celebrates individuality and diversity, especially as a queer Filipino immigrant,” said the Eurasian-Australian Javier, who prefers to be addressed with the pronouns they/them.
Javier shared that they play the role of Thomas, an offstage swing.
“This means that I cover multiple onstage ensemble roles. And when someone is sick or has leave, I get to ‘swing on’ for that role,” they said.
Javier also shared how they got the part.
“I was working on another show last year, Jagged Little Pill, when I auditioned for & Juilet. It was the first audition I went to where I felt like I could truly be myself. I attended a singing audition first, and then a dance audition. Luckily, I got a callback the following day. After a long few months, I got the call saying I’ve been offered a position as a swing in & Juilet.”
“I love it! The show itself is so well thought out, through all departments. The set, costumes, lighting and sound design all work together in perfect harmony. Special shout-out to Paloma Young for creating the best costumes I’ve ever worn on stage,” Javier said.
Meanwhile, Delmiguez, a Filipina artist from New Zealand (Aotearoa), shared her excitement over her professional musical theater debut.
“Being a part of & Juliet is very empowering and I am incredibly lucky to be making my professional debut with this show. I am a huge Backstreet Boys fan, and getting to sing their songs every show is so crazy to me. Also, the cast, creatives and crew are a dream to work with!” she said.
“I play the role of Eleanor who is one of Shakespeare’s players. My favorite thing about her look is my pink wig that is styled in braided space buns!” she added.
How did she get the role?
“The audition process for & Juliet took a few months. I had to send in several audition tapes of me singing, dancing and acting material from the show. Then I was called back to do a couple of live auditions and had to prepare more show material. After that, I had a Zoom conversation with the UK director, Luke Sheppard. Finally, after a few weeks of waiting, I got the call from my agent saying that I was cast in & Juliet,” she said.
“I am filled with so much gratitude for this opportunity,” Delmiguez added. “This has been something I’ve been working toward ever since I studied music theater at university, so I feel like I’ve accomplished a big goal in my career. & Juliet is an amazing story to tell audiences eight shows a week, and I am having the best time!”