& JULIA LIGHTS UP HELSINKI CITY THEATRE!
On August 20, 2026, & Julia, the Finnish production of the international hit musical & Juliet, celebrated its premiere on the Main Stage of Helsinki City Theatre. Directed by Samuel Harjanne, the musical takes Shakespeare’s most famous love story and asks one irresistible question: What if Juliet chose life instead of following Romeo into tragedy?
Written by Emmy Award-winning Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read and powered by the music of Swedish pop legend Max Martin, & Julia brings together the world of Shakespeare and some of the biggest pop hits of the 1990s and 2000s. Songs made famous by artists including Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Bon Jovi and Katy Perry become part of Juliet’s new story – a joyful journey of independence, self-discovery and second chances.
At the heart of the production is Renée Böök as Julia, alongside Mikko Peltomäki as Romeo, Tuukka Leppänen as William Shakespeare, Maria Lund as Anne Hathaway, Martti Manninen as François, Niki Rautén as May, Laura Alajääski as Angélique and Risto Kaskilahti as Lance.
The creative team includes Samuel Harjanne (Director), Gunilla Olsson-Karlsson (Choreographer), Eeva Kontu (Music Director and Conductor), Peter Ahlqvist (Set Designer), Elina Kolehmainen (Costume Designer), Toni Haaranen and William Iles (Lighting and Video Designers), Kai Poutanen (Sound Designer), Aino Hyttinen (Make-up Designer), and Henna Piirto (Dramaturg).
The production combines high-energy choreography, bold theatricality and the irresistible familiarity of Max Martin’s music with a story about having the courage to rewrite your own future. Early reviews have praised the production for its energy, performances and world-class musical theatre craftsmanship.
Harjanne Company extends its warmest thanks to the extraordinary cast, ensemble, orchestra, creative team, crew and the entire Helsinki City Theatre staff for their dedication, talent and collaboration in bringing this joyful production to life.
Juliet’s story may be one of the most famous in the world – but this time, the ending is only the beginning.
