If you think musicals are all jazz hands, old standards and stories from another era, two of Broadway’s biggest hits are here to change your mind. Moulin Rouge! The Musical and & Juliet both take familiar pop songs and use them to tell stories set far outside the modern world — creating an exciting, approachable gateway for audiences who may be new to musical theater.
These shows share one major ingredient: a soundtrack packed with songs audiences already know and love.
That familiarity can make all the difference for first-time theatergoers. The result? Audiences don’t have to “learn” how to enjoy the music. They’re already in on the fun.
& Juliet
Travel back to 16th-century Verona and pick up right where Shakespeare left off, however this story has a twist.
The Music
& Juliet flips the script on Shakespeare using the chart-topping catalog of legendary songwriter Max Martin, whose songs helped define modern pop music. Hits made famous by Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry become the emotional engine of Juliet’s journey toward independence and self-discovery.
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 behind more No. 1 hits than another artist this century. Songs like “Teenage Dream,” “Love Me Like You Do” and “Stronger” help guide the narrative as Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, reads and dislikes his original plot, proposing her idea for a new ending.
The Story
In Anne's version, Juliet decides not to end it all when she finds Romeo dead. Instead, she gathers her friends — including the Nurse from the original Romeo & Juliet play and some new characters added for & Juliet — and escapes Verona. Her new friends and experiences show her that she's not alone in feeling stifled, but that there's a bigger world out there for her. Ultimately, & Juliet is a triumphant coming-of-age story about a young woman finding her independence.
Prepare for the show with this playlist! How many songs can you already sing along to?
The music puts a modern twist on a timeless classic, the same way Juliet’s new story does! Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.
Show Dates & Times
Tuesday, May 26 at 7 pm
Wednesday, May 27 at 7 pm
Thursday, May 28 at 1:30 and 7 m
Friday, May 29 at 8 pm
Saturday, May 30 at 2 and 8 pm
Sunday, May 31 at 2 pm
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Hey sista, go sista, soul sista, flow sista - ready to visit Paris for the turn of the 20th century? Welcome to the Moulin Rouge! Adapted from the 2001 film, Moulin Rouge!, the iconic night club takes form on stage, transforming it into a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory!
The Story
The story follows a lovesick American writer, Christian, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub. When their lives collide at the Moulin Rouge, they fall hopelessly in love, only to be thwarted by the nightclub’s host and impresario, Harold Zidler, and the Duke of Monroth, the wealthy and entitled patron of the club who thinks he can buy anything he wants ... including Satine.
The Music
Moulin Rouge! The Musical blends more than 70 pop songs into its story, weaving together music from artists like Lady Gaga, Adele, Katy Perry and Elton John. Even though the story unfolds in turn-of-the-century Paris, the emotional beats are powered by songs audiences already carry with them.
The music drives the story, starting with an explosive mash-up of “Burning Down the House,” “Ride wit Me” and “Lady Marmalade.” It’s impossible not to be in the Moulin Rouge mindset after seeing burlesque and can-can dancers perform in this spectacular opening number, but the excitement does not end there! Mashups of Lorde’s “Royals” and Fun’s “We Are Young” are used to proclaim the bohemian ideals of truth, beauty, freedom and love. Satine makes her grand entrance to the tunes of the James Bond theme "Diamonds Are Forever," Rihanna's "Diamonds," Beyonce's "Single Ladies," En Vogue's "My Lovin'" and Commodores' "Brick House." Classics like Elton John’s “Your Song” and White Stripe’s “Seven Nation Army” are peppered throughout, making it a spectacle any music taste will know and love.
Prepare for the show with this playlist! How many are in your all-time-favorites playlist?
The music reimagines the songs you know and love, creating a story you won’t forget. Pop the champagne and join us as Moulin Rouge! The Musical takes audiences on a journey of ambition and weaves a tapestry of love, sacrifice and a whole lot of sequins.
Show Dates & Times
Wednesday, July 8 at 7 pm
Thursday, July 9 at 1:30 and 7 pm
Friday, July 10 at 8 pm
Saturday, July 11 at 2 and 8 pm
Sunday, July 12 at 2 and 7:30 pm
The Start of Something Great
Today’s musical theater landscape is incredibly diverse. Some productions reinterpret classic stories through a contemporary lens. Others blur the line between concert, theater and pop culture event. These two productions are perfect examples of how Broadway continues to evolve for new generations of audiences.
These musicals and others create a bridge between pop culture and Broadway. And once you experience the energy of a live orchestra, powerhouse vocals, dazzling choreography and a packed theater reacting together in real time, you’ll discover there’s nothing quite like it.