Sarah Dussome — Theater Critic

Though set in the 16th century, & Juliet combines medieval and modern elements. Paloma Young’s colourful costume design features Elizabethan ruffs and corsets, bedazzled jean jackets, and sneakers. There’s no shortage of dazzling, concert-style lighting or pop songs (all written by Max Martin). Early in Act I, Shakespeare (CJ Eldred), sings I Want It That Way, trying to defend Romeo & Juliet’s tragic ending. Anne (Crystal Kellogg) later recounts her own marriage in That’s the Way It Is, and Lance proclaims his infatuation with Angelique in Teenage Dream.

Clue unfolds across a simultaneously grand and claustrophobic set featuring a regal dining room, stuffy, jewel-toned parlour, shadowy corridors, and a dim, bookshelf-lined reading nook. Jen Caprio's costumes pay homage to the characters' aliases while Jeff Human's whimsical sound design brings additional humour. The creative elements and fantastic cast are a delight to behold, resulting in this unmissable 80-minute whodunnit.

Justin Collette leads the cast as the crass, larger-than-life Beetlejuice, who delights in scandalizing the wholesome Maitlands. On opening night, Will Burton’s Adam played opposite understudy Katie Griffith's Barbara. Griffith and Burton share an endearing chemistry and showcase impressive singing chops, particularly during the number Barbara 2.0.