Backstage at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre, it’s a flurry of hair rollers and robes, feathers and shoes. Someone hums the opening bars of “Wicked” while “oohs” and “ahhs” ripple through the hallway as racks of clothes roll by.
The corridor between dressing rooms is tight — made even tighter by talent, editors, hair and makeup artists, photographers and PR people. As is often the case, the space is buzzing with anticipation, but today, it isn’t for a joyous performance of “& Juliet,” the smash-hit musical now playing at Mirvish, but a cover shoot for The Kit. Its stars Vanessa Sears (Juliet), Matt Raffy (May), Julia McLellan (Anne) and Sarah Nairne (Angélique) are ready for the spotlight.
Premiering in Toronto in 2022 before heading to Broadway, the show became an instant sensation thanks to its bubble gum pop soundtrack (“Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “I Want It That Way” and other hits by songwriter-producer Max Martin), kaleidoscopic set and costume design.
Created by the Emmy Award-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, Canadian David West Read, “& Juliet” is a musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” that asks what would happen if William’s wife, Anne Hathaway (no, not the actress), took control of the story — and Juliet didn’t die at the end of the play.
It explodes with enthusiasm but is grounded by emotional gravitas. “I always say the show is a bit of a Trojan horse,” says McLellan. “Act 1 is the spoonful of sugar disguising the medicine that’s going to come in Act 2.” It’s a remix in every sense of the word, mashing together love, heartbreak, teen angst, mistaken identities, fake deaths and Britney Spears medleys.
The show’s cocktail of drama, heritage and contemporary references echo the themes that emerged on the Spring 2026 runways. After a dizzying game of musical chairs that saw a historic 15 designer debuts, ranging from Jonathan Anderson’s Dior disruption to Mathieu Blazy’s quieter Chanel takeover, the result was a rejection of quiet luxury in favour of full-blown maximalism. Primary colours packed a punch; feathers, fringe and sequins dusted nearly every hem. Above all, main-character energy was infused into every look.
Who better than theatre stars to bring that mood to life? In between their close-ups on the “& Juliet” set, Sears, Raffy, McLellan and Nairne talked drama on and offstage, their spring style approach and what they hope audiences take away after the final curtain falls.
Vanessa Sears
Dramatic origins “Was I a dramatic kid? I mean, what kid isn’t? But more than anything, I was a loud kid. I’d describe myself as being raised on Disney. I grew up singing big songs and thinking that grand production numbers were the best way to live life.”
Emotional evolution “I’m a professional actor, so I have found ways to keep a lot of drama in my life. I like having peace and ease, but being human also means experiencing the full gamut of emotions. The world is really dramatic right now, and I think it’s OK to feel that.”
Style lessons “The show’s costumes have given me confidence to be a little bolder, embracing sexy silhouettes and figure-hugging moments. This year, I’m really trying to create a closet that feels more like me, where I feel confident wearing everything in it.”
“& Juliet” takeaways “Just go for it! Juliet is given a second chance to try things, meet new people and have new experiences. Not everything turns out perfectly, but she has the time and space to try and learn who she is. That’s really what it’s about: if you don’t try, you’ll never gain the knowledge.”
Julia McLellan
Dramatic origins “I was a real people-pleaser — a rule follower. But theatre was the place I got to not be that. I was encouraged to break the rules, improvise, be loud, a troublemaker — whatever I wanted.”
Emotional evolution “I’m much more powerful and self-assured than I was before and also much more at ease. In your 30s, especially as a woman, a big shift happens: you care much less about other people’s perceptions and it’s really beautiful.”
Spring trends “There are a lot of interesting, dramatic, art-inspired silhouettes right now, and I’m excited to start playing with shape in ways I haven’t done lately.”
“& Juliet” takeaways “The story I take from ‘& Juliet’ each night is that there’s always a way to have a second chance, no matter what you’ve gone through. It’s never too late! All it requires is a bit of bravery, honesty about what you need, and just putting one foot in front of the other to try something new.”
Matt Raffy
Dramatic origins “I think ‘dramatic’ has a bit of a negative connotation. I prefer ‘passionate.’ Looking at old videos, I always knew what I wanted — to eat, drink or play with. I was very much on my own schedule.”
Emotional evolution “I think my drama queen side came out in my early teen years and I got it out of my system. In adulthood, I’ve taken the best of what I’ve learned at every phase of my life. That passion is still there, but now I focus on what’s next and backing up that fire with action.”
Style lessons “My style evolution has been less about the show’s costumes and more about the freedom to express myself: self-love and self acceptance. Playing this role and being part of the show has been life changing.”
“& Juliet” takeaways Everyone resonates with ‘& Juliet’ for different reasons and that’s the beauty of it. There’s so much representation and storylines that people see themselves in the show for different reasons.”
Sarah Nairne
Dramatic origins “I was a dramatic kid. I’m the youngest of three and I always say, when you’re the youngest sibling you don’t have to work for people’s attention but you just know how to hold people’s attention.”
Emotional evolution “Now I’m relatively laid-back, but I still have a little flair for the dramatic. What’s life without a little drama? Not when things are messy, but just zhuzh it up a little.”
Spring trends “You know what I’m really into these days? Culottes! I’m also leaning into more colours and really rich denim. Also Jill Scott just did a new album and has a great sense of style that I want to emulate.”
“& Juliet” takeaways “You are special, but not too special. That can be a very freeing space to just do whatever you want and dance like no one’s watching. Don’t be so concerned about what other people’s opinions are of what you’re doing with your life, because it’s yours.”
Styling Santanae Luzige. Makeup: Sheri Stroh (Plutino Group). Hair styling: Erica Croft. Wardrobe: Jenny Fraser
