Announcing the All-Canadian Cast for the New Production of &Juliet
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: John Karastamatis, Sue Toth, Erin Nantais – Mirvish Productions
ANNOUNCING THE ALL-CANADIAN CAST
FOR THE NEW PRODUCTION OF
& JULIET
DECEMBER 3, 2025 TO MARCH 22, 2026
THE ROYAL ALEXANDRA THEATRE, TORONTO
TICKETS ON SALE TODAY AT MIRVISH.COM
1.800.461.3333
David and Hannah Mirvish are thrilled to announce the all-Canadian cast of the highly anticipated new production of the international smash-hit musical comedy & Juliet.
“As we all know, & Juliet had its North American premiere and pre-Broadway run in Toronto in July 2022,” said David and Hannah Mirvish.
“From the very first performance, Toronto audiences responded with ecstatic applause, laughter and dancing in the aisles. We knew right away we had to give Toronto its very own production of this smart, cheeky, surprising and life-affirming musical comedy, written by Toronto's very own David West Read.
“& Juliet’s creative team, which consists of top-tier creatives from London and New York theatre, were mightily impressed with the talent they saw in Canada and were hard pressed to decide on who to cast because there were just too many choice candidates. But they did and we now have our all-Canadian cast.
“The cast consists of artists we know and love from past productions, others we’ve been following on stages around the city and beyond, and some exciting new talent making their professional debuts.”
Starring in the title role will be Vanessa Sears, who has performed on major stages across Canada and on Broadway. She was one of the stars of our production of Kinky Boots and will also star in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 this summer at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.
And speaking about the Royal Alex, David Silvestri, who made that theatre his second home for the multi-year run of Come From Away, will star as Lance.
Julia McLellan will star as Anne Hathaway. She was in two previous shows at the Royal Alex – Kinky Boots and SIX.
Anne Hathaway’s husband, Shakespeare, will be played by the celebrated Stratford and Shaw actor George Krissa. He will star in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 this summer at the Royal Alex.
Matt Raffy will star as May, a role they played on Broadway. Matt was a member of the original & Juliet company that premiered the show in Toronto.
Sarah Nairne, who was also in Come From Away, will star as Angélique, Juliet’s nurse.
Starring as Romeo will be David Jeffery. Hailing from Medicine Hat, AL, he made his professional debut in Dear Evan Hansen in Toronto and went on to star in the Broadway production.
Another member of the original & Juliet North American and Broadway premiere company, Brandon Antonio will star as Francois.
The ensemble includes Sam Boucher, Mariah Campos, Celeste Catena, Elysia Cruz, Saccha Dennis, Ryder Nick Desaulnier, Taran Kim, Jade Kimaya, Caitlyn MacInnis, Eric Martin, Stewart Adam McKensy, Patrick Park, Adam Sergison, Emry Tupper, McKenna Warwick and Tiera Lee Watts.”
& Juliet will play a limited run at the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre, December 3, 2025 through March 22, 2026.
Tickets go on sale today, Monday June 2, 2025 at 10AM and are available online at mirvish.com or by phone at 1.800.461.3333.
About & Juliet
With a book by Toronto’s own David West Read, the Emmy Award-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, and music from legendary five-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter/producer Max Martin, & Juliet uses some of the most beloved pop songs of the last three decades to tell a multi-generational story of self-discovery, empowerment and love.
& Juliet flips the script on the greatest love story ever told, imagining what would happen next if Juliet hadn’t ended it all over Romeo, and got a second chance at life and love – on her terms. Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “I Want It That Way,” “Confident,” and more.
The production’s full creative team includes: Luke Sheppard (Direction), Jennifer Weber (Choreography), Bill Sherman (Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements), Soutra Gilmour (Scenic Design), Paloma Young (Costume Design), Howard Hudson (Lighting Design), Gareth Owen (Sound Design), Andrzej Goulding (Video & Projection Design), J. Jared Janas (Hair, Wig & Makeup Design), and Dominic Fallacaro (Co-Orchestrations and Arrangements) and casting by Stephanie Gorin, CSA, CDC.
& Juliet premiered at the Manchester Opera House in September 2019, before transferring to the West End in November 2019. At the 2020 Laurence Olivier Awards, & Juliet received 9 nominations and won 3 awards. Following a pre-Broadway summer run in 2022 in Toronto, & Juliet opened at New York’s Stephen Sondheim Theatre in November 2022, where it continues to play to sold-out crowds and break box office records.
By Spring 2025, & Juliet will have played in nine countries and on four continents since its West End Premiere in 2019. The first North American tour of the musical kicked off its route last fall and will continue its run of more than 30 US cities this year, joined by the UK Tour (which began in July 2024), and a German production (October 2024).
The Original Broadway Cast Recording of & Juliet was released in October 2022 on Atlantic Records and is available wherever streaming music is played.
& Juliet is produced on Broadway by Max Martin, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd and Eva Price.
CAST BIOS
VANESSA SEARS - Juliet
Vanessa is a Dora, Toronto Theatre Critics’ and BroadwayWorld Award-winning artist. She has starred on stages across North America including Broadway, Mirvish, Stratford and Shaw. Vanessa also enjoys acting in film, television, animation and audiobook voice acting, and continues to train as a director. Huge love to her husband Richard, her family, TH, and the & Juliet cast, crew, and creative team. Select credits: New York, New York (Broadway); Kinky Boots (Mirvish); Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night, Little Shop of Horrors, Billy Elliot (Stratford); Holiday Inn, Magician’s Nephew, Grand Hotel, An Octoroon (Shaw Festival); Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins (YPT); Caroline or Change, Passing Strange (Musical Stage Company and Obsidian Theatre); King Lear, Queen Goneril (Soulpepper), Alice in Wonderland (Bad Hats). Film and TV credits include Suits, Sex/Life, Y The Last Man, 14 Love Letters, Sappy Holiday, and My Little Pony. Instagram @Vanessa_sears Facebook @ActorVanessaSears
DAVID SILVESTRI - Lance
Select credits: Come from Away Toronto (Theatre Critics’ Award: Best Actor), Les Misérables, Kinky Boots (Mirvish); 42nd St./Pirates of Penzance (Stratford); Shrek the Musical, Neil Simon’s Chapter 2, Come from Away Australian National Tour, Guys and Dolls, Valentin in Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Fiddler on the Roof, Blood Brothers, Too Many Cooks, Broadway Concert Series: (Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera), Sweeney in Sweeney Todd, Lenny in Of Mice and Men, Frederick in Noises Off, Biff in Death of a Salesman, Oscar in The Odd Couple, Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods, Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors, City of Angels, Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar Concert, Frollo in Hunchback of Notre Dame, Toy Story the Musical, Hercules the Musical. Much love to Talent House, family, and friends for all their love and support.
JULIA MCLELLAN - Anne
Julia is a Nova Scotian actor and theatre educator. She has had the fortune of performing on some of North America’s largest stages including three companies of the Tony Award winning hit Kinky Boots (Broadway, Broadway 1st National Tour, Mirvish). Most recently, Julia starred as Jenna in the Grand London & Theatre Aquarius’ Waitress and as an alternate for Seymour, Howard and Boleyn in Mirvish’s SIX The Musical. Other select credits include: Mildred and Helen’s Mother in the world premiere of Kelly v. Kelly (Musical Stage), Doralee in 9 to 5 (Citadel), Persephone in the North American premiere of Mythic (Segal), Val Clark in the Stratford Festival’s A Chorus Line, Dorothy Alternate in the North American premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz (Mirvish,1st National tour), Casey in First Date(Mayfield); Katharine Plummer in Disney’s Newsies, Annabelle in Lucky Stiff, Ariel in Footloose (Drayton). Julia’s stage career intertwines with her passion for theatre education, founding Coach with Julia in 2018. Her studio takes her around the country teaching contemporary vocal technique, acting through song and theatre dance. Julia would like to thank her husband Mike, her folks, the biffs, and the team at Talent House. www.julia-mclellan.comk @juliaemilymclellan
GEORGE KRISSA - Shakespeare
Select theatre: Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors (The Old Globe, San Diego) Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Mirvish, Crow’s Theatre – Toronto Theatre Critics’ Award), The Rocky Horror Show, The Music Man (Stratford Festival); The Horse and His Boy, Brigadoon (Shaw Festival); West Side Story (Citadel; Sterling Award), Million Dollar Quartet (Segal Centre). Film/television: The Holiday Sitter (Hallmark, GLAAD Award nomination), Road Trip Romance (Hallmark), A Killer Behind Closed Doors (Lifetime), 11h11, Murdoch Mysteries (CBC) Coroner (CBC/CW), The Dwelling (Breakthrough Entertainment), The Social (CTV). georgekrissa.com @georgekrissa
MATT RAFFY - May
Matt (they/he) Broadway: & Juliet (North American premiere and Pre-Broadway at the Princess of Wales Theatre and original Broadway cast at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre). Other theatre: Exit, Pursued by a Bear, Mamma Mia! (Globe Theatre); Mythic (Segal Centre); Beauty and the Beast (Capitol Theatre); Cinderella, Маmma Міа! (Neptune Theatre); Disgraced (Magnus Theatre). TV/Film: TAROT (Radio-Canada), Workin' Moms (CBC). Matt is beyond thrilled to return from & Juliet on Broadway and join the Toronto company. They feel an immense sense of pride and gratitude to the entire team for the opportunity to portray this incredibly special character and bring this heartfelt story back home to Canada. All my love and thanks to my team, friends and family. @mattraffy www.mattraffy.com
SARAH NAIRNE - Angélique
Selected theatre credits: The Invisible (Grand Theatre/Catalyst Theatre),Come From Away (Australian National Tour, Newtheatricals & Mirvish Productions), The Color Purple (Neptune Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre), Black and Blue Matters - Workshop (Black Theatre Workshop) and Cinderella the Panto (Drayton Entertainment). Sarah is an actor/singer of Jamaican heritage, born and raised in the Waterloo Region. She is grateful to God, her family, friends and agents at Talent House. Follow Sarah on Instagram @canvassarah
DAVID JEFFERY - Romeo
David is absolutely ecstatic to be joining the & Juliet family! Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen (Connor). National tour/Toronto: Dear Evan Hansen (u/s Evan, Jared, Connor). Regional: Jersey Boys (Frankie), Spring Awakening (Melchior), Newsies (Jack), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), Next to Normal (Gabe), Legally Blonde (Emmett), Rent (Roger). Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Janine, my real-life Juliet , Faith; friends, my agents, creative & casting team and every dog, ever. @david_jeffery
BRANDON ANTONIO - Francois
Brandon is elated to be returning to & Juliet as Canada’s Francois DuBois. He was in the North American premiere pre-Broadway production at the Princess of Wales Theatre and made his Broadway debut with the show back in 2022, where he covered the roles of both Francois and Romeo. While in New York, Brandon performed on Good Morning America, various Late Night shows, and at the 2023 Tony Awards. Other select credits: Mamma Mia! (Thousand Islands Playhouse, Globe Theatre); Blackout (Canadian Stage/MSC); Peter Pan (Neptune Theatre); Next to Normal (Mirvish/MSC, *Dora Award nomination). He was named a Breakthrough Stage Artist by NOW Magazine Toronto in 2019. & Juliet is incredibly special for Brandon, blending his love of pop music and live theatre, so bringing the show back home is an absolute dream come true. @brandon_antonio
SAM BOUCHER – Fletcher, Swing, u/s Shakespeare, u/s Francois
Sam is thrilled to be part of this joyful production! Recent credits: Footloose (Stage West Calgary); Frozen: The Musical (The Citadel Theatre); Dissonant Species (Theatre Gargantua); Anne of Green Gables (Tweed & Co.); Million Dollar Quartet / Comedy of Errors (The Grove Theatre); and American Idiot (Stephenville Theatre Festival). He warmly thanks the cast and team of & Juliet for all their work. Special thanks to Ari Sterlin for her help, support, talent, and sass.
MARIAH CAMPOS - Lucy, u/s Anne
Selected theatre credits: Rose in Titaníque (Mirvish Productions & The Segal Centre); Polly Baker in Crazy for You, Eva Perón in Evita, Sherrie Christian in Rock of Ages, María Elena in The Buddy Holly Story (Drayton Entertainment); Peter’s Final Flight, Lil Red Robin Hood, A Christmas Carol (Ross Petty Productions); swing in The Music Man (Stratford Festival); Ensemble/Sherrie U/S in Rock of Ages (Stage West Calgary). Film/TV: Cruel Intentions (Amazon), Take Note (Peacock/Family Channel), Ginny & Georgia (Netflix). Awards: Terry Doyle Memorial Award 2023 (Drayton Entertainment), Jean A. Chalmers Training Award (Stratford Festival). Mariah is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her family and wonderful husband, especially as they raise their son while she follows her dreams! It truly takes a village! Mama loves you, Kato!
CELESTE CATENA – Susanna, Swing, u/s Juliet
Celeste is thrilled and deeply honoured to be making her Mirvish debut in this Canadian production of &Juliet. Originally hailing from beautiful Kelowna, B.C., she is grateful to have worked consistently across the country since graduating with Honours from Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance Program. Selected theatre credits include two seasons at the Stratford Festival (Rent, A Wrinkle in Time, Chicago), two seasons at the Shaw Festival (Anything Goes, La Vie en Rose, White Christmas), a season at the Charlottetown Festival (Anne of Green Gables, Jersey Boys), and two productions at the Mayfield Dinner Theatre (Flashback Fever, Buddy: A Buddy Holly Story). Film/TV Credits include A-Line Dancer in The Porter (CBC/BET+). Sincere gratitude to Talent House, Stephanie Gorin Casting, and all who made this opportunity possible. To her loved ones and chosen family; Thank you. It wouldn’t be possible without you.
ELYSIA CRUZ – Judith, u/s Juliet
Born in the Philippines, Elysia is a Filipino-Canadian performer. Training: Sheridan MT Class of 2023. Select credits include: Katherine Howard in SIX The Musical (Mirvish), Dawn in Waitress (Grand Theatre & Theatre Aquarius), Grease (Drayton Entertainment), Jesus Christ Superstar and In Studio: With Britta Johnson (Theatre Sheridan). Special thanks to Talent House and her partner, Jay. Love and gratitude to the Cruzes: Mom, Dad, Eliana and best dog ever, Bruno for their unconditional love & support. @elysiacruz
SACCHA DENNIS – Lady Capulet/Nell, u/s Angelique
Saccha is an award-nominated actor, director, producer and educator whose career spans over two decades. She is thrilled to return to the Royal Alexandra Theatre in & Juliet! This comes after her seven-year journey as an original Toronto cast member of Come From Away, where she portrayed Hannah and others. Her notable acting credits include Alan Doyle’s new musical Tell Tale Harbour (Charlottetown Festival); Sousatzka: A New Musical (Elgin Theatre); Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang and James and the Giant Peach at YPT (Dora nomination); Sister Act (Rainbow Stage); Avenue Q (Citadel); Dreamgirls (Theatre Aquarius); Little Shop of Horrors (Rose Theatre); four seasons at the Shaw Festival; and the first national U.S. tour of We Will Rock You. She was also the first Black actor to portray Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at Young People’s Theatre. Beyond acting, she challenges traditional storytelling as a director, producer and filmmaker. Her recent work includes a Black Panther Party-inspired production of Jesus Christ Superstar. For more information, follow @musicalsreimagined on Instagram and Facebook, or visit sacchadennis.com. “This song’s for Mummy, this dance is for Daddy, my love is for Nicholas, and my heart is for Ellis.”
RYDER NICK DESAULNIER - Augustine, u/s Francois
Ryder is making his professional debut in the Canadian cast of & Juliet and is incredibly excited to be joining this company. A recent graduate of Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto, he grew up as a competitive dancer in Australia at Industry Performing Arts in Sydney. He has performed Danny in Grease and the King in Cinderella with Toronto’s Mainstage Theatre Company. Ryder would like to thank Randolph College, Industry Performing Arts and Mainstage Theatre Company for educating and encouraging him in his work, as well as thank his Mum and Dad for always supporting him throughout his life. Thank you to everybody for coming! @ryderdesaulnier
TARAN KIM – Kempe, Swing/Assistant Dance Captain
A Toronto based performer, Taran is over the moon to be making his Mirvish debut in & Juliet. Taran has performed in theatres all around Ontario and beyond, most recently in Anything Goes at the Shaw Festival. He is honoured to be a part of this stellar cast that is bringing life to a show that has become an audience favourite around the world. Thanks to his entire family for always supporting him through the highs and lows, and the team at daCosta for always having his back. In a confusing and seemingly bleak world, Taran hopes for nothing other than unfiltered joy to be had during this performance.
JADE KIMAYA – Margaret, Swing, u/s Juliet
Jade is thrilled to be making her Mirvish debut in & Juliet! As a Toronto-based multi-hyphenate artist, she aims to truthfully navigate the intricacies of existence through her artistic endeavors. Jade had her on-stage debut as Minnie in An American Hymnal by Terra Bruce Productions, performed in Girls Just Wanna Have Fun with Stage West Calgary, and recently had her Drayton Entertainment debut playing Wanda in Beehive: The 60’s Musical. Her work, a symphony of exploration, invites audiences to journey beyond the mundane and revel in their own authenticity. @jadekimaya
CAITLYN MACINNIS – Charmion, Swing
Caitlyn (they/them) is a biracial, queer, non-binary multidisciplinary storyteller and creative. When they’re not on stage, they teach dance, drama and vocal classes in their hometown community of the Greater Niagara Region and in Toronto. Cait is thrilled to be back in the city with the Mirvish & Juliet crew! Selected Credits: Cur/Hecamede/Polyxena in the Canadian premiere of Ransacking Troy by Erin Shields, and Dorcas/Dance Captain in The Winter’s Tale (Stratford Festival); Ida Jackson in The Amen Corner, Ensemble Dainty June Understudy in Gypsy, Ensemble/Judy Haynes Understudy in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Zoe in Bright Lights by Kat Sandler (Dir. Workshop), Ensemble/Baseball player in Damn Yankees, Chitra (Shaw Festival); Jasmine/Dance Captain in BeeHive (Drayton Entertainment); Veruca Salt/Dance Captain in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mary Hatch Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life (Young People’s Theatre); Rosa Mundi in Concord Floral, Who Are You? (Theatre Sheridan). Film: Lead in Something Bubbled, Something Blue (Talk Is Free). Training: Sheridan College Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre. Big love to my dear mom, my family, and my loved ones who always support me! @caitlynmacinnis
ERIC MARTIN - Gregory, u/s May
Eric (they/she/he) is feeling nothing but euphoria about making their Mirvish debut in & Juliet! Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. Training: Sheridan MT (Class of 2023). Select theatre credits: Franz in Rock of Ages (Drayton Entertainment); Edmund in Narnia (Theatre Sheridan/Bad Hats Theatre); Urinetown, Turn The Page, Jewelle Blackman’s Rooted: A Musical Poem (Theatre Sheridan). Eric gives big love to Darnell Thomas, Chris Tsuj, Chris Scholey and THE queen diva Sandie Newton and all at NLM! And here’s to the supporters from the very beginning, Mum and Dad. I do it all for you! @ericjsmartin
STEWART ADAM MCKENSY - Lord Capulet /Sly, u/s Lance, u/s Shakespeare
Dora-nominated and Ovation award winner, Stewart is thrilled to be part of the & Juliet family. Theatre: Kinky Boots (US National Tour, Canadian premiere at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, New Zealand premiere, Arts Club in Vancouver), The Wizard of Oz (North American Tour), Hairspray, The Producers (Mirvish); Blues for an Alabama Sky, Brigadoon, Cyrano De Bergerac, Ragtime (Shaw Festival, 5th season); Choir Boy (Arts Club); Caroline, or Change (Musical Stage/Obsidian); Starwalker (Urban Ink); Controlled Damage (Grand); Rapunzel (Capitol); To Kill a Mockingbird, My One and Only (Stratford Festival). Film/Tv: Mayday, Miracle In Motor City, Spin, The Boys, My Boss’ Wedding. “Thanks to the Boys, family, Sandie Newton and Phoenix the Great Dane. @smckensy
PATRICK PARK - Henry, u/s Romeo, u/s Francois
Patrick (he/him) is a Korean-Canadian performer from Montreal. Recent credits include KPOP (original Broadway cast, Circle in the Square), Mamma Mia! (25th Anniversary National Tour), Max and Aaron Write a Musical, and the North American premiere of Mythic (Segal Centre). So much gratitude to my friends, my family, and the incredible team at Talent House. @patrickpark
ADAM SERGISON – Cuthbert, Swing /Dance Captain, u/s Lance
Adam is so incredibly honoured and excited to join the & Juliet family. Select credits: The Wizard of Oz (Mirvish, First National Tour); We Will Rock You (Mirvish); Saturday Night Fever (North American Tour); Damn Yankees, Chitra, White Christmas, Holiday Inn (Shaw Festival); Otello, Tadzio in Death in Venice (Canadian Opera Company); Rock of Ages (More Entertainment); Elf (Theatre Aquarius); Priscilla, The Music Man, 9 to 5 (Drayton); Jesus Christ Superstar, Anne of Green Gables, Mamma Mia! (Charlottetown Festival); West Side Story (Neptune, Vancouver Opera) Spamalot, Step by Step (Stage West Calgary); Mr. Mistoffelees in Cats (Rainbow Stage); and the Disney Movie, "Camp Rock". Endless gratitude to the & Juliet team; Stephanie Gorin Casting; Jordan, Bruce, and everyone at the Talent House team; and immense love to his family, friends, and bebs for their unwavering support. @adamsergison
EMRY TUPPER - Richard, u/s May, u/s Romeo
Emry (he/they) is a proud Métis artist/musician from Saskatoon and is elated to be making his Mirvish debut in & Juliet! Select credits: Alice in Wonderland (Bad Hats Theatre), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Drayton Entertainment), Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Casino (Karevan Productions). Be sure to check out their solo music under Emry Harland wherever you stream your music. He’d like to thank his family, his beautiful partner, and the entire team at AMI for making his dreams come true. @emry.harland
MCKENNA WARWICK - Imogen
McKenna is a Toronto-based dancer and choreographer. She is excited to join the Canadian cast of & Juliet. As a member and director of the dance crew REVERB, she has competed at and won various competitions. McKenna has appeared in music videos for artists like Drake ("NOKIA") and Christina Smith ("I Can’t Stay") and appears in the Jonas Brothers film Get Us Home. Known for her high-energy, raw style, McKenna’s unique blend of technical precision and bold expression has earned recognition worldwide. Her unique approach blends technical precision with bold, creative expression, making her a standout in the dance community.
TIERA LEE WATTS - Eleanor, u/s Anne, u/s AngeliqueTiera is beyond excited to be making her Mirvish debut! Previous Credits: Elsa in Frozen and Sherrie in Rock of Ages (Rainbow Stage); Marcy in Dogfight (DryCold); Lead Vocalist in The Seabourn Six (Seabourn Cruise Line); Diva in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Norwegian Cruise Line); Yellow in Shout! The Mod Musical (Magnus); Ensemble in Hollywood Hits and Legends of Rock (Stage West); Angie in Dee Snider’s Rock & Roll Christmas Tale (Renovoy Productions). Training: Randolph College for the Performing Arts Huge shout out to her friends and family for their love and support. @tieraleewatts