What if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? “& Juliet,” a hilarious new musical created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. Join Juliet as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.
“It’s a beautiful story that people across the country are excited to see,” said Rachel Webb, who plays Juliet on the national tour, coming to Overture Center for the Arts on Tuesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 1. “Juliet embarks on a journey to find herself. It’s a tale of empowerment and growth, learning from friends and circumstances. Despite adversities, she learns to love herself.”
Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life‚” “That’s The Way It Is“ and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”—all from Max Martin, the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century.
Webb made her Broadway debut in 2022 with “& Juliet” as part of the ensemble and understudy for Juliet. She performed as Juliet 148 times in New York. When selecting the cast for the national tour, she was a natural choice for the lead. The tour began on September 22, 2024, and will hit 30 cities this season.
Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Webb attended performing arts summer camps with The Black Academy of Arts and Letters.
“The Black Academy is led by CEO and President Curtis King and incredible artists who cultivate young Black artists, teaching singing, acting, choreography, lighting, sound, stage management—all aspects of theater,” she explained. “I attended each summer from 2009 to 2016.”
Webb is passionate about storytelling and its transition across various art forms.
“I truly love musical theater,” she said. “It takes a human open to singing, acting and dancing in impactful ways.”
Before Broadway, Webb performed in regional productions at Smokey Joe’s Café in Fort Worth, Texas, and “Hairspray” at Theatre Aspen. Auditioning has been a crucial part of her journey, allowing her to meet people and showcase her talents. She shares that it’s not uncommon for actors to audition 150 times before landing a role.
Cast in the “& Juliet” ensemble and as an understudy for Juliet in NYC, she embraced the learning experience, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen her dance skills. Now on tour, she relishes the chance to portray Juliet with audiences nationwide.
“I enjoy seeing how audiences respond and love hearing from patrons at the stage door,” she said. “Seeing children in the audience and hearing their laughter is especially rewarding.”
Traveling excites her, and she is having fun exploring new cities—like Madison. Her favorite way to learn about a city is by renting a bike or scooter to check out downtown restaurants, bookstores and museums.
She invites UMOJA readers to see her in “& Juliet:” If you’re looking for a good time, want to feel lighter, need a girls’ night with your besties, want to experience multiple love stories on stage, sing great songs or discover how a young girl becomes her best self, come to the show! Everyone is welcome.”
In this season of Thanksgiving and beyond, Webb is grateful for the chance to share “& Juliet” with audiences across the U.S., especially as Juliet is rarely portrayed as a Black woman.
“The role of Juliet in ‘Romeo & Juliet’ often does not look like me,” she noted. “When I see little Black girls smiling at the stage door, it fills me with joy knowing they can see themselves represented on stage. That’s the beauty of theater.”
Break free of the balcony scene and dive into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it!
