Rachel Webb on ‘& Juliet’ empowering message

Rachel Webb, who plays the lead character on Broadway’s traveling production of “& Juliet,” says the Broadway production, while honoring the theme of love,  flips the script on its meaning.

“& Juliet,” coming to the Fox Theatre for an eight-performance run starting on Jan. 7, tells the tale of the star-crossed lovers, with one important game-changing twist – What would have happened if Juliet didn’t follow Romeo into the afterlife?

Webb, who was the understudy for the role of Juliet during the Broadway run, said she stepped into the role about 145 times for  Lorna Courtney, several times in the middle of the production because of an unexpected illness or injury. 

“When something like this happens, the stage manager always makes the announcement in person, saying ‘The role of Juliet will be played by Rachel Webb,’” she said. “And then I was ‘on’ – excited, scared, all the things.” 

However, Webb said her preparation as an understudy meant that she felt confident enough to assume the role on a moment’s notice, and further take the lead for the U.S tour, which runs through 2026. 

Webb had auditioned for Juliet in November of 2021, and while she didn’t land the role, she “got pretty far down the road in the process.”

“A few months later the opportunity came for me to audition to be the understudy, and it was really great that I was considered,” she said. “I got to learn from the consummate professional, which really prepared me to take over the role and make it my own.”

The musical features a playlist of pop anthems, such as “Since U Been Gone,” “Baby One More Time,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” as it details Juliet’s circuitous journey to find life and love after Romeo.

Webb said her favorite song, “Roar,” allows her the chance to connect with the audience and “break through the fourth wall.”

And the theme of love that resounds throughout the production, she said, is designed to for attendees to feel empowered by their emotions.

“This isn’t a tragedy at all,” she said. “I feel like it explores all forms of love, with the most important being self-love.”

Tickets for “& Juliet” are now on sale, with performances running from Jan. 7 to 12.