The Max Martin jukebox musical has six swing performers, who cover at least six roles (though many cover 12, even 13 parts).
The swings of & Juliet are bringing the flavor, and they're ready to show you how.
The anachronistic jukebox musical, which blends the pop music of Max Martin with William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, opened on Broadway November 17. A West End transfer, the show celebrates individuality: each and every ensemble member and swing having their own character breakdown and custom-built series of costumes, unique to each performer.
It is these swings, which cover multiple roles on Broadway and steps in if anyone is sick, that helps keep the show going—especially during the winter months when colds and flus are going around backstage. For & Juliet, one swing covers at least six roles (though some cover 12, even 13, roles!).
Scroll down to meet the six multitalented swings that keep the music spinning from Stratford-upon-Avon to the Sondheim Theatre!
Track Name: Cuthbert/Assistant Dance Captain
Track Personality: "Cuthbert is a very funny guy. He's very confident, and a bit of a trickster."
Favorite Moment in the Show: "I love when Juliet sings '(Hit Me) Baby One More Time.' The scenery and the lights and how everything is staged is so cool to see come together."
Where You've Seen Them Before: Romeo in the National Tour of Newsies, or as a Swing/Dance Captain in Pretty Woman the Musical.
Fun Fact: DeJesus is also a choreographer, making his Off-Broadway debut with the comedy band Lewberger in the musical Wizard of Friendship.
What Does Being a Swing Mean to Them? "We're the last line of defense. We're there to help make sure the show keeps going, and we'll save the day and do what needs to be done to keep the show running!"
Track Personality: "Margaret is very young, and very bright; she has ADHD, and can be very spacey."
Favorite Moment in the Show: "'It's My Life'! It's the closing of the first act, and oh so dramatic."
Where You've Seen Them Before: As Miyeon in KPOP
Fun Fact: All of Lin's costumes have a heart motif, including the heart cutout corset (pictured above).
What Does Being a Swing Mean to Them? "Swings are the heroes of Broadway. I wouldn't call myself a hero, but all swings are, in general. They save shows, jump in when needed, and they have a lot of brain space."
Track Name: Viola/Dance Captain/Understudy Angélique
Track Personality: "Viola is fun and feisty; it's why I wear cheetah print. She's got a lot of sass and joy."
Favorite Moment in the Show: "When we ride the [revolving stage] during 'Problem,' I always feel like a pop star!"
Where You've Seen Them Before: A swing in Mean Girls on Broadway, dancing in Billy Elliot, and on the road with Matilda.
Fun Fact: Nicholas makes football diagrams to keep track of the 13 different roles she covers.
What Does Being a Swing Mean to Them? "Being a swing is a boss job. It's not for the faint of heart. But it's really cool to challenge yourself and then rise to that occasion."
Track Name: Thomas/Understudy May/Understudy Francoise
Track Personality: "Thomas is big: big hair, big personality, big positivity."
Favorite Moment in the Show: "I love 'Blow'! It's a great big party, and super fun to dance."
Where You've Seen Them Before: A Storyteller and understudy Daniel in the national tour of Once On This Island.
Fun Fact: Carrier worked closely with costume designer Paloma Young to create an androgynous costume plot to match their non-binary identity.
What Does Being a Swing Mean to Them? "Being a swing means that you are there to not only save the show, but give them a show. This is my first time as a swing, and it's taught me to never take anything for granted. When you're on stage, it's time to give 110 percent!"
Track Name: Fletcher/Understudy Romeo
Track Personality: "We have a nickname for Fletcher: Fifi. I have a choker, which reminds me of a dog collar, and my little beret. But be careful: he's a little nervous, and you never knew when he'll bite."
Favorite Moment in the Show: "It's a tie! I love the dance breakdown in 'Problem' when we do the battle cry, and when we all come together in 'Blow' while Juliet is up in the chandelier. They're both so epic!"
Where You've Seen Them Before: Jack Kelly in Newsies at Arena Stage, or in the ensemble of Moulin Rouge's Boston tryout.
Fun Fact: Maldonado wears a beret and one of three different doublets in every scene; "I've never felt more confident in a costume!"
What Does Being a Swing Mean to Them? "Being a swing means having tough skin, and being malleable. Go with the flow, be forgiving and always be ready. Every day is a surprise!"
Track Personality: "Gwynn is low-key. She's a bit quiet, but the second she hits the stage, she's like nothing you've ever seen before."
Favorite Moment in the Show: "I love when I'm on for the Benvolio track: That scene is so fun, and they have a good chunk of the dance features. And I love the 'One More Try' scene between Romeo and Juliet!"
Where You've Seen Them Before: A swing on the national tour of Hamilton.
Fun Fact: Maderal was the first of & Juliet's swing team to "complete swing bingo," AKA go on for every single track they cover!
What Does Being a Swing Mean to Them? "Being a swing means being adaptable, and consistent at the same time. It's also a lot of fun, getting to switch in and out of all the different roles that are on stage; you never get bored!"
Oh my God, they're back again! See more photos from Playbill's photoshoot with the swings of & Juliet.
Kate Mina Lin, Daniel J. Maldonado, Nico DeJesus, Brittany Nicholas, Michael Iván Carrier, and Alaina Vi Maderal
Kate Mina Lin, Daniel J. Maldonado, Nico DeJesus, Brittany Nicholas, Michael Iván Carrier, and Alaina Vi Maderal
Kate Mina Lin, Daniel J. Maldonado, Nico DeJesus, Brittany Nicholas, Michael Iván Carrier, and Alaina Vi Maderal
Kate Mina Lin, Daniel J. Maldonado, Nico DeJesus, Brittany Nicholas, Michael Iván Carrier, and Alaina Vi Maderal
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