Jukebox musical ‘& Juliet’ makes its way to Syracuse

As the national tour of & Juliet heads to Syracuse, actor Noah Marlowe is bringing more than just a performance to the stage; he’s carrying a message about identity, authenticity and writing your own story.

“No one in your life can write your own story,” Marlowe said. “You are your own author.”

In & Juliet, he plays Francois Du Bois, a character struggling with an identity crisis while trying to live up to expectations.

Francois’ journey is one that resonates with Marlowe, but it also comes with its challenges. One of the biggest is balancing the character’s comedy and melancholy, while also adjusting to performing on a different stage nearly every week.

“I use that energy and put it into the character,” Marlowe said. 

That constant change doesn’t stop once the curtain closes. To keep up with the fast-paced nature of touring, Marlowe makes the most of his time in each city.

“I go out and explore,” Marlowe said. “I try different restaurants, museums, go on walks and see some friends who are in the city.”

While traveling offers new experiences, performing the same role night after night can feel repetitive. Marlowe said caffeine helps keep his energy up, but it isn’t the only way he stays engaged in the performance.

Instead, he uses each new city as an opportunity to experiment. Different audiences bring different reactions, allowing him to adjust his delivery, timing and physicality in ways that keep the show feeling fresh.

“I try to make the show different every night to make myself, my cast members and audience excited,” Marlowe said. 

Courtesy of “& Juliet” Production

Marlowe attributes the bond between the cast and crew as one of the reasons the cast is able to bring energy to every stop on the tour.

That sense of energy extends beyond the audience. Marlowe said the strong connection between the cast and crew plays a big role in keeping performances consistent, even as locations change. Spending so much time rehearsing together allows everyone to stay on the same wavelength and makes each show feel seamless.

When it comes to his favorite parts of the show, he said performing hits “Whataya Want from Me” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” are some of his favorites.

The two songs highlight very different sides of the character. One is more somber, reflecting Francois’ internal struggle with identity, while the other is a high-energy moment that celebrates an iconic boy band-style reunion.

“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” in particular stands out to Marlowe because of the audience’s reaction and how they get into it.

Moments like these help Marlowe connect to both the character and the message behind the show. Through each performance, he continues to take away lessons that extend beyond the stage.

Marlowe said being a part of & Juliet has reinforced the importance of authenticity and individuality, something he hopes audiences will take with them as well.

“Who you are is what makes you special and why people want to work with you and be around you,” Marlowe said. 

For Marlowe, the show is more than just entertainment. It’s an experience that encourages both performers and audiences to embrace who they are and take control of their own stories.

“The show is crazy, fun, silly, goofy and amazing,” Marlowe said.

& Juliet will run from April 21 through April 26 at the Landmark Theatre. Tickets are available here.