Everyone knows how the story is meant to end.
But last Friday night at The Forge Theatre, Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company’s & Juliet proved that this version has an ending and a beginning all its own.
Opening night played to a packed house, with audiences filling the theatre almost to capacity and responding with enthusiasm from the first song through to a standing ovation at the final curtain. The energy in the room was unmistakable, as this reimagined musical took a familiar story and turned it into something fresh, vibrant and full of life.
The combination of bold staging, high-energy ensemble and a soundtrack of well-known pop hits from artists like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys and Katy Perry, quickly drew the audience in. A confident and skilled dance troupe rounded out the performance with dynamic dance routines.
For the cast and Production Team of & Juliet, Friday night’s opening marked the culmination of months of rehearsals three times a week, with confidence and momentum built in the rehearsal room carrying strongly onto the stage. The transition into the theatre space has brought everything together, allowing the full scale and colour of the production to be realised in front of a live audience.
In attendance were Tanya Reed from Bairnsdale and Netty Cooper from Wy Yung.
“I loved absolutely everything. It’s phenomenal, a must-see. Who wouldn’t want to come see a show in our regional town,” Netty said.
Opening night celebrations added to the occasion, with local theatre-goers enjoying a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, with a supper provided by long time Production Line sponsor New Leaf Cafe, creating a sense of event both on and off the stage.
As the curtain fell to sustained applause, it was clear that & Juliet has found its audience in East Gippsland; one ready to embrace a story that steps beyond its original ending and into something entirely new.
& Juliet continues its season at The Forge Theatre for two more weekends, concluding with a matinee on Sunday, May 17.
Further information is available via Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company and The Forge’s Facebook and website pages.
