Alyson Eng — Theater Critic

With all the hype surrounding & JULIET before its arrival in Vancouver, expectations were high, and this is one show that lives up to them. The familiar music certainly helps, but the cast, comedy and story give the production an identity beyond its playlist. Whether you grew up listening to Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys or simply want a fun night at the theatre, & JULIET makes a strong case for rewriting the ending.

What ultimately makes this production successful and captivating is its balance. The performances are strong, the relationships feel genuine, and the music remains as enjoyable as ever. More than 25 years after its premiere, Mamma Mia! still feels fresh, heartfelt, and thoroughly entertaining. The greatest compliment I can give this production is that I would gladly see it a second time. With a cast this engaging and a catalogue of songs this strong, there would be plenty to enjoy on another visit.

What ultimately makes this production successful and captivating is its balance. The performances are strong, the relationships feel genuine, and the music remains as enjoyable as ever. More than 25 years after its premiere, Mamma Mia! still feels fresh, heartfelt, and thoroughly entertaining. The greatest compliment I can give this production is that I would gladly see it a second time. With a cast this engaging and a catalogue of songs this strong, there would be plenty to enjoy on another visit.

The most admirable aspect of this musical is that it’s unapologetically itself. While embracing its quirky and cheesy moments, the show cracks jokes that push boundaries and puts a bit of emphasis on a shock factor that draws audiences in. Although some may raise eyebrows, the clever and (at times) crude humour definitely brought life to the show. As we enter a new era of musical theatre both based on existing films or completely new subject matter, this new trend of exploring topics, humor, and subjects that may have been overlooked in the past are now coming into the light.