Juliet & Romeo: A Pop-fueled Musical Take on the Classic Tale

Juliet & Romeo
Director, Writer and Producer: Timothy Scott Bogart
Source Material: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Starring: Clare Rugaard, Jamie Ward, Jason Isaacs, Tayla Parx and Dan Fogler
Genre: Musical, Romance, Drama
Runtime: 122 mins
Rating: PG-13

Juliet & Romeo, based on the timeless play by William Shakespeare, is set to open in cinemas this month – bringing with it a bold, reimagined take on one of literature’s most iconic love stories. Directed by Timothy Scott Bogart, this new adaptation trades Shakespearean verse for an original pop score, breathing new life into the tale of the star-crossed lovers.

This is no ordinary retelling: Juliet & Romeo dives deeper into the origins of the legend, exploring the “real” history that inspired the tragedy and revealing how the lovers’ choices affect the fate of an entire Medieval empire. With a fresh musical approach, stunning visuals, and a powerful cast led by Clara Rugaard and Jamie Ward, this film promises to captivate a new generation. Here’s everything you need to know before heading to the cinema.

Juliet & Romeo | What's on in Joburg — Clare Rugaard and Jamie Ward as Juliet and Romeo

A Modern Spin on a Classic Tale

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is one of the most iconic love stories ever written. Yet, in this adaptation, the story gets a modern twist.

Set in the Medieval period in Verona in 1301, Juliet & Romeo follows the love story of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, two young people from feuding families. Their iconic love story has existed for generations; however, this adaptation uncovers the true historical setting behind Shakespeare’s play, and the impact of the characters’ love affair on the future of the Italian empire.

Featuring Clare Rugaard and Jamie Ward as Juliet and Romeo respectively, as well as an ensemble cast made up of Jason Isaacs, Tayla Parx, Rebel Wilson and Dan Fogler, among others, the film is sure to make you rethink the classic tale of love.

A New Pop Soundtrack for a Timeless Story

What helps stand Juliet & Romeo apart from other adaptations is its unique pop music score, composed by Grammy-winning songwriter Evan “Kidd” Bogart and acclaimed songwriter Justin Gray. The upbeat score replaces the traditional iambic pentameter used in Shakespeare productions, which helps to give the film a more modern twist.

The central love duet, “Beat the Same”, has three different renditions at key points throughout the film, and each rendition is uniquely arranged to reflect the emotions of the scene. This contributes to the uniqueness of the film and helps to create a beautiful, exciting rendition of one of the world’s most famous stories.