Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, known for her love of theater, made history Saturday night with her Broadway debut. She became the first sitting member of the U.S. Supreme Court to perform on a Broadway stage, appearing in a special one-night-only role in the hit musical & Juliet.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Breaks New Ground with Broadway Appearance
The production, a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet with a feminist twist, featured Jackson in a walk-on role written specifically for her. Speaking with NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me before the performance, Jackson expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “They have invited me to do a special walk-on role that I’m told they wrote for me. So I’m very excited.”
Jackson, dressed in a stylish teal costume, took the stage at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre to roaring applause. Footage shared by the production showed her rehearsing choreography, trying on her costume, and receiving hair and makeup touch-ups. “I did it!” she exclaimed in a behind-the-scenes video. “I made it to Broadway.”
Jackson’s Broadway debut is the culmination of a lifelong love for the arts. In her memoir Lovely One, she revealed her college application essay to Harvard mentioned her dream of becoming the first Black female Supreme Court Justice to appear on a Broadway stage.
During her time at Harvard, Jackson pursued her passion for theater, performing in Little Shop of Horrors and taking drama classes alongside future stars like Matt Damon. Recalling a scene they acted together, Jackson shared, “At the end, the professor said, ‘Oh, Ketanji, you were so good. Matt, we’ll talk.’”
The evening concluded with a post-show talkback, where Jackson discussed her experience and reflected on her journey. “I got a call, and someone said, ‘We heard this was your lifelong dream.’ And it is,” Jackson shared.
Justice Jackson’s debut not only celebrated her theatrical passion but also solidified her place as a trailblazer. From the courtroom to Broadway, she continues to inspire with her determination and love for the arts.