Following its seasons on West End and Broadway, & Juliet will be headed to Australia for its debut Australian production from March 2023 (In previews late-February 2023). Producers Michael Cassel Group have today confirmed that the lead and titular character will be portrayed by Lorinda May Merrypor. A proud Aboriginal and South Sea Islander woman hailing from Rockhampton, Merrypor is ecstatic to inhabit this empowered reimagining of Shakespeare’s famed character, which will also double as her first starring role.
After graduating from Queensland Conservatorium in 2016, Merrypor performed ensemble roles in American Idiot and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and most recently appeared in a touring production of Tony Briggs’ The Sapphires. Throughout 2020 and 2021 she dedicated her time to running workshops for aspiring young performers in remote communities across regional Queensland.
& Juliet will commence at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from next March, the third city in the world to have the opportunity to enjoy this production. While it is billed as being an exclusive to the city, time will tell whether it tours to other states.
& Juliet seeks to present Shakespeare’s most famous love story, remixed with what is pitched as “some of the most iconic pop songs of the last three decades in an uplifting story of self-discovery, empowerment and love”. The production features a book by Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read and music by Max Martin.
Want to know who will be joining Merrypor on-stage? A full cast announcement is expected by the end of the month.
For booking information, check out the show’s official website HERE.