Pop Musical '& Julia' Says Goodbye to Hamburg - & Juliet bids farewell as Back to the Future gears up for Hamburg debut
Hamburg's Operettenhaus will soon welcome a new musical as & Juliet prepares for its final show. The pop-filled production, which reimagines Romeo and Juliet with a modern twist, has drawn nearly half a million spectators since its German debut. Tonight marks its last performance before Back to the Future – The Musical takes over the stage in March 2026.
& Juliet first opened in Hamburg on October 30, 2024. The show blends Shakespeare's classic tale with pop hits by artists like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and the Backstreet Boys. Unlike the original tragedy, this version sees Juliet choose life—and an adventure to Paris—after rejecting Romeo.
The musical has resonated with younger audiences, thanks to its contemporary themes. Queer love and female empowerment feature prominently in the story. Since its premiere, it has become one of the city's most popular theatre productions.
After tonight's final curtain, the Operettenhaus will undergo a change. Back to the Future – The Musical will premiere there on March 14 or 15, 2026, following its official opening on March 22. Stage Entertainment, the producer, has also secured rights to other new musicals, though details remain under wraps for now.
& Juliet leaves behind a strong legacy in Hamburg, having introduced fresh audiences to musical theatre. With Back to the Future set to replace it, the Operettenhaus will continue its tradition of hosting major productions. The venue's next chapter begins in early 2026, bringing another well-known story to the stage.
