Tony Winner Paulo Szot Returns to Broadway's '& Juliet' as Lance

Tony Award winner Paulo Szot has returned to the role of Lance in the Broadway musical "& Juliet" starting July 21, 2026. Szot, who originated the role, will alternate performances with *NSYNC's Joey Fatone throughout the summer, bringing his acclaimed performance back to the hit show.

Context

Paulo Szot is a celebrated actor and singer who won a Tony Award for his role in 'South Pacific.' '& Juliet' is a musical that reimagines the story of Romeo and Juliet, featuring songs by popular artists. Szot originally played the role of Lance when the show debuted, contributing to its success.

Why it matters

Paulo Szot's return to '& Juliet' highlights the ongoing appeal of Broadway productions and the importance of star power in attracting audiences. His Tony Award-winning performance adds significant value to the show, which has already gained popularity. The involvement of well-known artists can also boost ticket sales and interest in the theater community.

Implications

Szot's return may influence other productions to consider bringing back original cast members to enhance their appeal. The collaboration with a pop culture figure like Joey Fatone could attract a broader audience, particularly fans of *NSYNC. The success of '& Juliet' could encourage more adaptations of classic stories in musical formats.

What to watch

As Szot alternates performances with Joey Fatone, audience reactions and ticket sales will provide insight into the impact of this casting decision. The show's performance over the summer will be closely monitored, especially as it competes with other summer productions. Any announcements regarding future cast changes or extensions will also be significant.