What if Juliet didn’t die at the end of Romeo & Juliet? That’s the question at the heart of & Juliet, now showing at:
100 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501
Music by Max Martin
Friends, I had no idea what to expect coming into the show. Sure, I kind of saw the trailer for it some months ago, but let me just say that it doesn’t even come close to doing this play justice. & Juliet is a modern day play packed with incredible talent, wit, humor, millennial Easter eggs, food for thought, morals, and all the pop anthems I grew up with and were such a big part of my younger self.
This play had me grinning from ear to ear with its multiple storylines and big personalities, and it left me with an uncontrollable need to dance and sing out loud (all throughout the play). I really enjoyed the nostalgic tracks that were cleverly embedded in the heart of the play (yes, the play doubles up as a full blown concert), along with the stunning set, the amazing singing and dancing, and the love woven throughout. I couldn’t help but appreciate how far we’ve come in embracing diversity and inclusion. Plays are such powerful and entertaining forms of art, capable of conveying messages and lessons that speak to today’s generation while still connecting with audiences of all ages. This is why I absolutely love Broadway and support The Pioneer Center with all my heart. It’s the best way to learn, feel, and be moved in the most effective & impactful way.
A little backstory for my friends who are unfamiliar with Romeo and Juliet. If you know anything about Shakespeare, he was famous for his tragic plays. And if my memory serves me right, he lived during the bubonic plague, a deadly disease that caused the Black Death and claimed millions of lives in Europe around the 14th century. I’m giving myself a pat on the back for remembering that without looking it up. Little wins, friends… always celebrate them, no matter how big or small, LOL.
So what did this mean for his plays? A lot of darkness. Shakespeare lived through dark and uncertain times marked by death, political unrest, and outbreaks of the bubonic plague, which may have influenced the tragic themes in many of his plays... But I'm no Shakespeare expert, so please chime in if you have some insight to share.
One of Shakespeare’s most well known work, Romeo and Juliet, tells the story of two teenagers from feuding families in Verona, Italy - Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet - who fall in love at first sight. Their love is forbidden, so they secretly marry.
A series of tragic misunderstandings, impulsive decisions, and bad timing leads to both of them dying young in the most heartbreaking way (I’ll leave the spoilers out so you can experience it yourself). In the end, their deaths finally make their families reconcile, but at a devastating cost.
If you're interested in attending this play, I suggest watching THIS (1996) version of Romeo & Juliet first to get a good feel for the story and to prime you for the play so that you may appreciate and understand it a little better.
& Juliet flips the script, imagining what would happen if Juliet didn’t die. Without giving too much away, I’ll just say this play will leave you smiling, dancing, and thinking long after the curtain falls.
This show is full of energetic fun and meaningful moments. It is inclusive and diverse. It bursts with joyful energy, witty humor, and boy band style vibes. It is written with a modern day spin & loaded with all the pop anthems you know and love. It's visually and audibly spectacular and celebrates self discovery, second chances, and rewriting your own ending.
Song List (featured in play)
Act One
I Want It That Way - Backstreet Boys
Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely - Backstreet Boys
Domino - Jessie J
Show Me Love - Robyn
Blow - Ke$ha
I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman - Britney Spears
Overprotected - Britney Spears
Confident - Demi Lovato
Teenage Dream/Break Free - Katy Perry/Ariana Grande feat. Zedd
Oops! I Did It Again - Britney Spears
I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
It’s My Life - Bon Jovi
Act Two
Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
Whataya Want From Me - Adam Lambert
One More Try - Original song
Problem/Can’t Feel My Face - Ariana Grande & Iggy Azalea/The Weeknd
That’s the Way It Is - Celine Dion
Everybody - Backstreet Boys
As Long as You Love Me - Backstreet Boys
It’s Gonna Be Me - NSYNC
Shape of My Heart - Backstreet Boys
Stronger - Britney Spears
Fuckin’ Perfect - Pink
Roar - Katy Perry
I Want It That Way - Backstreet Boys
Can’t Stop the Feeling! - Justin Timberlake
(suggested for ages 10+. Includes a little profanity.)
Pop music lovers
Young adults and teens
Women and girls
Broadway and musical theatre fans
Humor and pop culture enthusiasts
My Takeaway
Friends, Broadway is pure theatre magic, a legacy that’s been developing for more than 150 years. Over that time, it’s become synonymous with excellence, storytelling, and the kind of artistry that just sticks with you. Every cast member you see on stage has gone through years of training and has been handpicked from countless talented applicants. The way they move, sing, and bring characters to life is absolutely mesmerizing.
If you’ve never experienced a Broadway show, there’s no better time. & Juliet is fun, uplifting, and bursting with heart. You’ll leave smiling, humming, and feeling inspired.
Upcoming Shows at the Pioneer Center
Helpful Tips
-Free parking available at the lot across the street from the Pioneer Center. You can’t miss it. Park tail in first and next to an exit.-Intermission: 15 minutes. Concessions available on both levels, though the one downstairs flows a bit faster.
-Student rush tickets: $25 per ticket (limit 2 per ID). Student Tickets are for any students with a valid ID including UNR, TMCC, WCSD. Must be purchased in person at the box office. Available 2 hours before showtime.
The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, located in downtown Reno, Nevada, is a cornerstone of the region's cultural scene. Established in 1967, it was designed by the architectural firm Bozalis, Dickinson and Roloff and features a distinctive gold geodesic dome roof, earning it the nickname "Golden Turtle." The venue seats 1,500 and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places for its unique architecture and cultural significance.
Offerings
The Pioneer Center hosts a diverse array of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, dance recitals, and community events. It is home to resident companies such as the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and A.V.A. Ballet Theatre. The center also features the Pioneer Center Youth Programs, which have been bringing the performing arts directly into elementary schools and public libraries in northern Nevada for over 50 years.
Community Impact
Aside its role as a performance venue, the Pioneer Center is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Through educational outreach programs, it introduces young audiences to the arts, fostering a love for music, dance, and theater. The center also serves as a gathering place for local artists and performers, and does a little work on the side with helping raise funds for local non profits like the SPCA of Northern Nevada.
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