& Juliet Exclusive Preview
We were invited along for an exclusive look behind the curtain ahead of the New Zealand premiere of & Juliet.
Stepping onto the Civic Theatre stage for the exclusive preview of & Juliet felt like being invited into the inner circle of New Zealand’s theatre world. The invitation alone hinted at something special, but the reality of the evening exceeded it. The Civic is already one of the country’s most atmospheric venues, yet being welcomed not into the auditorium but onto the stage itself created a sense of intimacy and privilege that set the tone for the night. It was a gathering of media, theatre-makers, sponsors, and performers, all sharing the same space where the show will soon burst into life.
The event opened with drinks and nibbles served beneath the Civic’s iconic starry ceiling, a surreal contrast to the casual conversations happening around the room. People drifted between clusters of cast members, directors, and industry regulars, the kind of mingling that only happens when everyone is genuinely excited about the same thing. There was a hum of anticipation, the feeling that this was the first glimpse of a production that will dominate the cultural calendar from April through June.
Toni Street guided the evening with an easy confidence, introducing the sponsors and creative team before inviting the cast to share insights about the show. Hearing directly from the performers added a human layer to the spectacle that & Juliet promises. Kristin Paulse spoke with a grounded warmth that made her upcoming turn as Juliet feel both powerful and personal. Awhimai Fraser brought a spark of humour and intelligence to her discussion of Anne, hinting at the emotional depth she will bring to the role. Matu Ngaropo and the rest of the principal cast radiated the kind of camaraderie that suggests the production will be as joyful behind the scenes as it is on stage.
The performances were the heart of the evening. Three songs, each one a reminder of how deeply Max Martin’s music is woven into the soundtrack of the last three decades. Roar arrived with a sense of triumph, Kristin’s vocals filling the theatre with a clarity that made the audience fall silent. Domino was bright and fizzy, the kind of number that makes you want to dance even when you are holding a glass of wine. I Want It That Way landed with a nostalgic punch, and the cast delivered it with a sincerity that made the familiar melody feel new again. Even in this stripped-back preview format, the vocal strength of the ensemble was unmistakable.
The aesthetic of the show came through clearly in these short excerpts. There is a preppy, punky energy to the production, a blend of denim, attitude, and pop sparkle that feels both retro and fresh. The music leans into the 90s and early 2000s, which means the show will appeal across generations. It has the same empowering spirit that made SIX a global phenomenon, but with its own flavour. Juliet choosing to rewrite her ending, to step into a life she chooses for herself, feels timely and uplifting. It is a story about agency, joy, and second chances, told through songs that almost everyone in the audience already knows by heart.
The sponsors spoke briefly about their involvement, and their enthusiasm was genuine. Explora Journeys, Auckland City BMW, and Barfoot & Thompson are backing a production that feels poised to become one of the standout theatrical events of 2026. Their presence added a sense of scale to the evening, a reminder that this is not just another touring musical but a major cultural moment for New Zealand’s performing arts scene.
As the event drew to a close, people lingered on the stage, reluctant to step away from the glow of the evening. Conversations stretched on, photos were taken, and the cast continued to chat with guests as if the night could go on indefinitely. There was a shared understanding that this preview was only the beginning. The real excitement will arrive when the curtain rises on opening night in April.
With an all-Aotearoa powerhouse cast, a soundtrack packed with iconic hits, and a story that celebrates self-discovery and reinvention, & Juliet is shaping up to be a must-see. The preview offered only a taste, but it was enough to confirm that tickets will move quickly once word spreads. Anyone hoping to experience the full production would be wise to secure their seats early, because if the energy of this one evening is anything to go by, & Juliet is about to take New Zealand by storm.
& Juliet arrives in New Zealand this year with a full national tour that brings the hit Broadway musical to three major centres. Each season is long enough to build momentum but short enough that early booking is essential, especially given the buzz already surrounding the production.
Auckland
9 April to 3 May
The Civic Theatre
Wellington
9 May to 24 May
St James Theatre
Christchurch
30 May to 13 June
Isaac Theatre Royal
Tickets for all cities are available through the official website: www.andjuliet.co.nz
