Joey Fatone Brings NSYNC Energy to Broadway in ‘& Juliet’
Joey Fatone is lighting up Broadway once again with his role in the hit musical & Juliet. The 48-year-old singer-turned-actor, who made his Broadway debut on January 21, is currently starring in a nine-week engagement, stepping into the role of Lance and replacing original cast member Paulo Szot through March 16.
New production photos captured by photographer Matthew Murphy showcase Fatone’s exuberance and theatrical charm. In one striking image, Fatone is seen leaping for joy while clutching a bouquet of flowers—a moment that perfectly encapsulates his energy on stage. Another shot highlights a tender moment between Fatone and co-star Jeannette Bayardelle as they hold hands in a dramatic pose, while other images capture him striking a bold stance in his Elizabethan costume.
Directed by Luke Sheppard, & Juliet offers a fresh twist on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy by imagining a world where Juliet survives and carves out her own destiny. With a hilarious book penned by Emmy-winning writer David West Read—best known for his work on Schitt’s Creek—and a score featuring hits reimagined by producer and songwriter Max Martin, the production blends familiar pop tunes with theatrical storytelling. The musical’s soundtrack is a unique mix that includes *NSYNC hits as well as tracks popularized by Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Bon Jovi, Ariana Grande, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, and Robyn.
While Fatone’s legacy is forever linked to *NSYNC, he adds a humorous twist to his performance by singing two songs by rival boyband Backstreet Boys. “Even though my loyalty remains with *NSYNC, they still have bangers,” Fatone joked when news of his casting was first announced in October 2024.
Fatone’s enthusiasm for live theater was evident during a recent appearance on Good Morning America on January 31, where he delivered a special mashup of boyband hits crafted for the show. In an interview with Broadway World, he reflected on the unpredictable magic of live performance:
“I love being on live stage. You get the instant gratification right there as opposed to being on film. And you never know what’s going to happen. If you screw up, that’s show business—the show must go on, and you just got to keep going and see what happens.”
He also noted how Broadway attracts a diverse audience, including many tourists experiencing New York City for the first time. “Tourists, they want to come see New York City itself, but you come to New York City, you got to see a Broadway show. And this is a great show to ease into somebody that has never seen a Broadway show before because, again, you’re familiar with the music, you’re familiar with these songs, and they tie into these scenarios in the script. … It’s amazing.”
With Joey Fatone’s infectious energy and star power, & Juliet promises to be a must-see for both seasoned theatergoers and newcomers alike. As the show runs through March 16, audiences have the chance to witness Fatone’s triumphant return to Broadway—a performance that, judging by these first look photos, is nothing short of electrifying.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
