Vanessa Sears takes another run at Shakepeare's Juliet in jukebox musical ‘& Juliet'
TORONTO – Canadian stage actress Vanessa Sears is resurrecting her role as hopeless romantic Juliet Capulet, with a playful pop music twist.
Mirvish Productions says the Deep River, Ont., native leads the all-Canadian cast of jukebox musical '& Juliet,' which returns to Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre later this year.
Sears is deeply familiar with William Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. She played Juliet in the Stratford Festival's 2024 production of the dramatic love story.
'& Juliet' will have her portray a more comedic version of the character. The musical imagines what might've happened if Romeo and Juliet had gone their separate ways.
The book was penned by Toronto playwright David West Read and propelled by the pop hits of Swedish producer Max Martin, including tracks 'Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely,' 'Since U Been Gone' and 'Roar.'
'& Juliet' has a limited run from Dec. 3, 2025 to March 22, 2026. Tickets are already on sale through the Mirvish website.
Sears is a familiar face in Mirvish productions, having previously starred in their 2015 production of 'Kinky Boots' and is set to appear in 'Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812' this summer.
Other Canadians in the new '& Juliet' cast include David Silvestri, who starred in 'Come From Away;' Julia McLellan, who had parts in 'Kinky Boots' and 'Six;' and Stratford and Shaw Festival veteran George Krissa.
The musical made its North American premiere in July 2022, leading to a successful Broadway run later that year as theatre productions gradually resumed after COVID-19 closures.
'The cast consists of artists we know and love from past productions,' said theatre producers David and Hannah Mirvish in a joint statement.
'Others we've been following on stages around the city and beyond, and some exciting new talent (will make) their professional debuts.'
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
22 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Rory McIlroy chasing third title as Robert MacIntyre looks to repeat at Canadian Open
CALEDON – Rory McIlroy and Robert MacIntyre don't just love playing golf, they're students of the history of the game. That's why they're both set on once again capturing the RBC Canadian Open and blocking a Canadian from winning on home soil. The pair have combined for three of the past four Canadian Open titles, with Northern Ireland's McIlroy winning in 2019 and 2022, and Scotland's MacIntyre emerging victorious last year. If McIlroy wins again, he'll join Lee Trevino, Sam Snead and Tommy Armour as a three-time champion. 'Anytime you start to rack up multiple wins in places, especially with a trophy like the Canadian Open and the names that are on that trophy, there's not many that are on it three times,' said McIlroy on Wednesday. 'So yeah, it would be very cool. 'I'd love to get myself in the mix at the weekend and have an opportunity to do it.' American Leo Diegel is the only player to win the 121-year-old championship four times (1924, 1925, 1928 and 1929). Diegel, Trevino, Snead, and Armour are all in the World Golf Hall of Fame. MacIntyre's first-ever PGA Tour title was at last year's Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. He followed that up six weeks later with a win at his home nation's Genesis Scottish Open. He said on Tuesday that 'national opens are huge' for him and the sport of golf. 'Being from Europe, we've got a lot of national opens: Scottish Open, French Open, Spanish Open, one event in Belgium, last week in Austria,' said MacIntyre in the media centre at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, the host of this year's Canadian Open. 'I just think it brings out more if there's one event in a specific area, like here this week. 'National opens are a massive part of the game. I just wish that we'd done more to promote a lot more national opens.' There are 24 Canadians in the field this year at TPC Toronto, with Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., front and centre. While he's not the highest-ranked Canadian on tour — that's Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., who sits ninth on the points list — Taylor won the Canadian Open in 2023, ending a 69-year drought for Canucks at the men's national championship. 'My game feels good. It's been a pretty consistent year,' said Taylor, who is No. 16 on the FedEx Cup standings. 'I haven't been trying to reinvent the wheel at all, just being more consistent off the tee, which has helped. Iron game has been strong this year, and the short game has been solid. 'It's come together nicely in some bigger tournaments, which is always the goal to start the year.' MacIntyre, for his part, is willing to play spoiler to the home fans. 'There's a lot of Canadian players here this week obviously wanting to win the Canadian Open,' he said. 'Everyone's wanting to win this week, but it just adds an extra incentive for the Canadian guys because it's the Canadian Open, and I think the crowd also builds on that. 'They try to get some more kind of praise and applause for good golf to the Canadians, which is — I mean, I get that in Scotland and elsewhere, wherever, like a Frenchman in France, it's the exact same stuff.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Temperatures reached 30 C during Wednesday's pro-am at TPC Toronto, with the humidex making it feel like 34. Rain was expected overnight and into the morning as the first round tees off. The forecast calls for a mix of sun and clouds for the remaining three rounds with gusts up to 31 km/h. 'I don't know if you can call any course a typical TPC setup, but that's kind of what it's like,' said McIlroy. 'A little bit of room off the tee, the fairways are quite generous, but if you miss them, the rough is pretty penal. The greens are tricky, undulating, really got to hit it into the right sections. 'I think it could be a good test by the end of the week if there's no rain and it firms up a little bit and they can tuck the pins away.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2025.
Toronto Sun
an hour ago
- Toronto Sun
Danny Green happy for fellow ex-Raptor Pascal Siakam and underdog Pacers, big fan of SGA
The three-time NBA champion will be in Calgary for the start of the NBA Finals. Get the latest from Ryan Wolstat straight to your inbox Toronto Raptors' Danny Green and Pascal Siakam celebrate during Game 4 of the NBA Finals in 2019. AP Photo Danny Green is a member of the media now, so he has to remain impartial, but it's clear he has a soft spot for one NBA finalist over the other this year. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Green, who won three titles in four trips to the Finals, including the one Canadian basketball fans all remember with the Toronto Raptors in 2018-19, is happy for former teammate Pascal Siakam, as well as other members of the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers are considered extremely unlikely bets to upend an Oklahoma City Thunder team that won 68 games in the regular season and have since mostly swatted away all comers, other than a Denver side that gave them a mild scare before getting crushed in Game 7. But Green, who wasn't drafted until the second round and had to fight to make it back after being cut by both Cleveland and San Antonio before becoming a staple with the Spurs, knows a thing or two about doubters. 'All these guys have a chip on their shoulder and exterior motivations from people that have always doubted them and criticized them,' Green told Postmedia on a recent video call. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'So to see (the Pacers) kind of shut those people up and make it to where they are, I couldn't be happier for the group,' he said after also comparing them to his Raptors team that wasn't expected to even make it to the final round, let alone win the championship. 'Because I was one of those guys that was always doubted as well. So I know the similar criticism that they're getting.' Green, who was talking ahead of a visit to Canada for NBA House, an immersive basketball experience and fan event at the Rooftop YYC in Calgary for Game 1 and 2 of the Finals (former champion Metta World Peace also will be on hand, along with the Larry O'Brien Trophy), sounded particularly pleased for Siakam. 'It's great,' Green said of Siakam getting back to the biggest stage six years after Toronto's win (Green himself went five years between going twice for San Antonio and his return with Toronto, then also made it the next year with the Los Angeles Lakers). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'A lot of people were, I wouldn't say doubting him, but they just were so quote/unquote disappointed that he was not becoming the No. 1 option they expected to be when he went to Indiana (in a trade from the Raptors), and for them all to beat the odds. 'Myles Turner has been that longest-tenured Pacer (10 seasons). He's been there since the (Paul George) years, but finally, get to the Finals and get there before some of the guys that he's played with,' Green added. 'And then, Tyrese Haliburton, voted most overrated (by fellow players in a bizarre poll), And also Pascal, and I see Pascal and OG (Anunoby) kind of battling it out against each other (in the Eastern Conference final). It was fun to watch that whole series, but to see (Siakam) actually show people like, 'Yo, he's an all-NBA player for a reason,' and Tyrese Haliburton saying that he's not overrated.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Which isn't to say Green doesn't also appreciate Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Canadian who won league MVP this year. Read More 'I love the fact that he still, he reminds me of Kobe (Bryant). He still does a lot in the mid-range and a lot of footwork and fundamentals,' Green said. 'A lot of people are not happy or disappointed with how many threes are being taken and that we don't have traditional back-to-the-basket games anymore, post-ups and go with big men, and have mid-range games. And it was kind of being pushed out of the game and becoming obsolete. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'So the fact that (Gilgeous-Alexander and others), they mix up their game and they make sure that they continue to not only improve, but show how important it is to be able to score on all levels, to be able to defend and to do all the other little things that matter, outside of shooting the ball from the three-point line.' Green said he hasn't been to Calgary before, but was always treated well in other cities and is looking forward to exploring and experiencing the city. 'Canada's always been great. It's welcomed me with overwhelming love,' Green said. 'Just the diversity of Canada. It's always amazing to me, I guess, how many different people, groups of people, are there, and also that they're all kind of similar and nice, you know, hospitable. 'So, love being around and love the energy. I'm hoping that Calgary's the same.' Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA Celebrity Olympics Columnists
Vancouver Sun
an hour ago
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. Lions vs. Edmonton Elks features first CFL opening-week meeting of Canadian quarterbacks
It will be a historic CFL first Saturday night in Vancouver. The B.C. Lions will host the Edmonton Elks at B.C. Place in the season opener for both teams. This will mark the first opening week featuring two Canadian starting quarterbacks (B.C.'s Nathan Rourke, Edmonton's Tre Ford) since 1968 and the first time it's occurred in the same game. The 2025 season will kick off Thursday night with the Ottawa Redblacks visiting the Saskatchewan Roughriders . On Friday night, the Toronto Argonauts begin their Grey Cup defence in Montreal versus the Alouettes before the Calgary Stampeders entertain the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday night. Also of note in Vancouver, B.C.'s Buck Pierce and Edmonton's Mark Kilam will make their CFL head-coaching debuts. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Rourke, 27, of Victoria, rejoined the Lions last season following NFL stints with Jacksonville, New England, the New York Giants and Atlanta. He was the league's top Canadian in 2022 with B.C. Ford, also 27, was Edmonton's '22 first-round pick out of Waterloo. The Hec Crighton Trophy winner from Niagara Falls, Ont., was 9-9 in 18 starts over the last three years before signing an extension with the CFL club this off-season. Ford and Kilam are looking to lead Edmonton to the CFL playoffs for the first time since 2019. Pierce joined the Lions following 10 seasons as an assistant with Winnipeg, helping the Bombers make five straight Grey Cup appearances, winning in 2019 and '21. The overwhelming majority of players on CFL rosters are veterans. According to the league, just 67 of the 493 total players on teams are in their first year (13.6 per cent) compared to 93 at this time last year. Players have an average of 41 games (2 1/2 seasons) of CFL experience and 22 starts. The average age in the CFL is 28.2 years. Ottawa Redblacks vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (Thursday night) At Regina, the Redblacks struggled mightily on the road last season, posting a 2-7-0 record. But they were 6-3-1 versus West Division rivals. Dru Brown begins his second full season as Ottawa's starter and will have veteran receiver Eugene Lewis available. Lewis finished last season with touchdown catches in Edmonton's final eight games, leaving him two short of Terry Evanshen's league record. Veteran Trevor Harris gets the start for Saskatchewan, which is looking to improve upon last year's 5-4 home record and 4-3 mark against East rivals. Pick: Saskatchewan. Toronto Argonauts vs. Montreal Alouettes (Friday night) At Montreal, Davis Alexander begins his first full season as the Alouettes' starting quarterback. He was an impressive 4-0 last year while incumbent Cody Fajardo — who's now in Edmonton — was injured. Veteran Nick Arbuckle, last year's Grey Cup MVP, starts for the new-look Argos, who begin their title defence without many of the faces that played prominent roles in last year's championship. Chad Kelly, the CFL's '23 outstanding player, continues to recover from the serious leg injury he sustained in last year's East Division final. Pick: Montreal. Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Calgary Stampeders (Saturday night) At Calgary, Hamilton starter Bo Levi Mitchell chases his first regular-season win at McMahon Stadium, where he played so many years with the Stampeders. A victory would be Mitchell's 100th in the CFL and come in his 141st career start, making him the fastest player in league history to achieve the milestone. Veteran Vernon Adams Jr. makes his first debut with the Stampeders, who are looking to return to the CFL playoffs after missing out last year for the first time since '04. Pick: Hamilton. Edmonton Elks vs. B.C. Lions (Saturday night) At Vancouver, no one was busier this off-season than Edmonton general manager Ed Hervey, who added the likes of defensive linemen Jake Ceresna and Robbie Smith, defensive backs Royce Metchie and Tyrell Ford and offensive lineman David Beard. Conventional thinking suggests it will take time for the Elks to mesh. Both starting quarterbacks are athletic and dual threats. This one could be close, so the edge should go to the home team, especially with veteran kicker Sean Whyte and a massive, sold-out B.C. Place with a pre-game concert by Snoop Dogg. Pick: B.C.
