Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is set to make her Broadway debut in the hit musical & Juliet on December 14. This special one-night-only event will take place at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, featuring Jackson in a walk-on role during the evening performance. Following the show, audience members can attend a talkback session with the Justice.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to Appear in One-Night-Only Role in “& Juliet”
This milestone marks another historic first for Jackson, already celebrated as the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Her Broadway debut fulfills a dream she has held since childhood, as detailed in her memoir Lovely One. In the memoir, Jackson recalls her aspirations: “I wished to attend Harvard as I believed it might help me fulfill my fantasy of becoming the first Black, female Supreme Court justice to appear on a Broadway stage.”
Jackson’s passion for theater has been a recurring theme in her life. While promoting her memoir at a September event at the Apollo Theater, she delighted attendees by singing lines from The Wiz. This enthusiasm extends back to her Harvard days, where she once shared the stage with actor Matt Damon in a drama class scene from Waiting for Godot. Reflecting on that experience, she shared, “The professor told me, ‘Ketanji, you were very good. Matt, we’ll talk.’”
& Juliet, the musical in which Justice Jackson will appear, reimagines the story of Shakespeare’s Juliet with a modern twist. Featuring a score packed with pop hits by artists like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Backstreet Boys, the show is a joyful exploration of second chances and self-discovery.
Jackson’s appearance on Broadway not only highlights her personal achievements but also underscores her commitment to breaking barriers. Producers of & Juliet expressed their excitement, noting that her involvement brings unique gravitas to the performance.
As Jackson takes to the Broadway stage, she adds another accolade to her already remarkable career, inspiring audiences on and off the bench. Tickets for & Juliet are currently on sale, with the December 14 performance promising to be an unforgettable evening.