Aly Michalka and Spencer Sutherland are set to make their Broadway debuts in the acclaimed musical *& Juliet*, as confirmed by producers. Michalka will take on the role of Anne Hathaway, while Sutherland will portray the iconic character of Romeo. They are both expected to start their performances this autumn, with Sutherland’s debut scheduled for 15 September at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre and Michalka’s on 3 November.
Expressing her excitement, Michalka stated, “I’m beyond thrilled to be joining the company of *& Juliet* as Anne Hathaway.” The 37-year-old actress, known for her work across film and television, conveyed her eagerness to bring her extensive performing experience to the Broadway stage. She added, “The opportunity to challenge myself in a new way is incredibly exciting,” urging fans to come and witness their performances this winter.
Spencer Sutherland, 33, echoed similar sentiments, describing his casting as a “dream come true.” He remarked, “Stepping onto the biggest stage as Romeo is more than a dream come true; it’s a moment that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.” For Sutherland, making a Broadway debut is a rare occasion, which he vowed to cherish as a significant milestone in his career.
Michalka gained recognition for her role as Keely Teslow in the Disney Channel sitcom *Phil of the Future*, which aired from 2004 to 2006. She has since featured in films such as *Easy A* and *Bandslam*, and has appeared in television series like *Hellcats* and *iZombie*. Besides her television and film career, she is also widely known as one-half of the musical duo Aly & AJ, alongside her sister AJ. The duo has released six studio albums and continues to tour globally, with their most recent project being the album *Silver Deliverer*.
On the other hand, Sutherland has cultivated a substantial following, boasting over 2.4 million social media fans and hundreds of millions of streams on his music, which draws influence from musical legends such as Elvis Presley and Queen. His 2024 album, *The Drama*, has been a catalyst for successful world tours. Additionally, he has collaborated with notable artists and appeared in productions such as Netflix’s *Afterlife of the Party* and Prime Video’s *I Know What You Did Last Summer*.
The musical *& Juliet* offers a fresh perspective on Shakespeare’s timeless story, imagining an alternate narrative where Juliet chooses life instead of heartbreak. Written by Emmy Award winner David West Read of *Schitt’s Creek* fame, the show features a vibrant score filled with pop hits crafted by renowned songwriter and producer Max Martin, including tracks like “Since U Been Gone” and “Roar.”
After its Broadway debut in 2022, *& Juliet* garnered considerable acclaim, receiving nine nominations for the Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The production is helmed by director Luke Sheppard, with choreography by Jennifer Weber. Since its initial West End performance in 2019, the musical has travelled across nine countries on four continents.
The upcoming Broadway engagements will not be limited to Michalka and Sutherland. Kenzie Ziegler, a star from the reality show *Dance Moms*, is also set to join the cast on 15 September as Charmion, alongside fellow performer Anthony Gargiula, who will debut as François. Additionally, Jeannette Bayardelle will return to her role as Angélique for a short period, while original cast member Megan Kane will reprise her performance for a limited time.
On 24 September, the production will host a special Fan Night event in collaboration with Z-100, promising unique fan experiences and surprises, details of which are yet to be released.
Tickets for *& Juliet* are currently on sale, and with the excitement generated by the new cast members, there is an air of anticipation surrounding the forthcoming performances. The addition of Michalka and Sutherland to this beloved musical underscores the show’s ongoing appeal and vibrant energy as it continues to attract audiences on Broadway.