We all know the story of Romeo & Juliet: two teens from feuding aristocratic families fall in love, but they’re romance is ill-fated and ends in death, for courtiers as well as for the lovers themselves.
But what if the story didn’t end on a tragic note? What if Juliet got a second chance at life, love, and self-discovery? With a script written and directed by Jeni Stow, KADS is bringing JUST JULIET to life at Braeburn Theatre this coming weekend.
The show promises to be a brilliant jukebox musical with high-energy performances, hilarity, and a playlist packed with some of the biggest international pop hits of the last few decades including: “…Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life,” “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling”.
The musical is framed as a playful debate between Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway, who challenges him to rethink Juliet’s fate, tipping the classical Shakespeare tragedy on its head and shouting out for female empowerment along the way.
Tana Gachoka stars at the feisty Juliet. Image via KADS.
The strong lead character Juliet is played by Tana Gachoka, often seen on Nairobi stages and known for her roles in the films Mercy and A Better Life. Director Jeni Stow also plays the role of Angelique, Juliet’s famously abetting Nurse. We’ll see other familiar faces from KADS and various Nairobi productions, including: Rainbow Field (who won best choreographer for Rokk of Ages in the 2024 Kenya Theatre Awards), Pete Wood, Mass Monte and Bre Pugh.
Hidde Ihor as Romeo. Image via KADS.
In case you don’t know KADS – the Kenya Amateur Dramatics Society – they’ve been around for quite some time, but really became well known in 2018 when they performed their first big musical We Will Rock You to audience acclaim. In regards to casting for shows, Stow says,
“My passion is theatre and especially Musical Theatre. I love showing everyone that they are not only able to sing, dance and act – but that they will enjoy it and develop a passion!
In addition to putting on stellar performances, KADS is a not-for-profit organization. A particular challenge, Stow says, is budgeting for KADS shows, “as we don’t keep the profits. We give as much away to charity as we are able to.”
Jeni Stow directing rehearsals with the Just Juliet cast. Image by the author.
Lee Crew, who directed last year’s hits Shrekk and 1984 and has seen the cast in action at rehearsal, told iN:
“I think this might be the most ambitious show KADS has ever attempted and early indications are that they will pull it off very well! The music for Wicked may have been more complex, but there are so many numbers in this show, the dance numbers are on par with Rokk of Ages for complexity, but there are a lot more of them.
Rehearsing one of many dance numbers. Image by the author.
Rehearsing one of many dance numbers. Image by the author.It’s also a massive cast so the stage feels truly full in a West End way. The set, special effects and costumes have not been seen in full yet… but from the sneak peeks I’ve had, and the descriptions from the production team, they are going to be epic.
I suspect this show is going to be a complete riot!
We don’t want to give away too much before the show, but whether you’re a Shakespeare fan, a lover of pop music, or just looking for a feel-good musical with heart, JUST JULIET is a must-see. It’s a joyous, empowering reimagining of a classic tale that proves the story isn’t over until you decide it is. Don’t miss the chance to see this show-stopping musical that dares to ask:
What if Juliet’s greatest love story was her own…?
Just Juliet premieres on Thursday 27 February. Further performances on Friday 28 February & Saturday 1 March.
Tickets are avaiable at theatres.braeburn.com/events
You can follow the Kenya Amateur Dramatics Society on Facebook.