From Olympic Beam to Broadway Stage: Laurie Hernandez Shines in ‘& Juliet’
Laurie Hernandez, the celebrated Olympic gymnast and fan favorite, is embarking on a new chapter, captivating audiences with her Broadway debut in the hit musical & Juliet. Hernandez began performances in the role of Charmion at the Sondheim Theatre in New York City on March 17, 2026, marking a significant transition from the world of elite athletics to the vibrant energy of the stage. The two-time Olympic medalist is already receiving enthusiastic support, not least from her former teammates, who are eager to witness her latest triumph. This move represents not just a career shift, but a continuation of Hernandez’s journey of pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges, a spirit that defined her success in gymnastics and now promises to resonate with theatergoers.
Hernandez’s transition to Broadway isn’t entirely unexpected, given her prior experience in the performing arts. She first gained widespread recognition after winning a silver medal on the balance beam and a gold medal as part of the “Final Five” at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Following her Olympic success, Hernandez demonstrated her versatility by winning season 23 of Dancing With the Stars in 2016, partnering with professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy. Now, with & Juliet, she’s stepping into a demanding role that requires both athletic prowess and theatrical skill. The musical, which reimagines Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, offers Hernandez a platform to showcase her talents in a completely new light.
The support from her “Final Five” teammates – Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and Madison Kocian – has been particularly meaningful. Hernandez shared with Entertainment Tonight that her former teammates immediately reached out to coordinate visits once her Broadway debut was announced. “The moment my Broadway debut was announced, Maddie, Simone, and Aly texted our group chat to spot when they could come,” Hernandez said. “We haven’t landed on dates yet, but there’s been a lot of support there. It’s felt really nice.” This camaraderie underscores the enduring bond forged during their shared Olympic experience and highlights the importance of a strong support system, a theme Hernandez herself has emphasized as crucial to her success.
Navigating Performance Anxiety and the Demands of the Stage
Hernandez acknowledges that performing on stage presents a unique set of challenges, even for an athlete accustomed to high-pressure situations. She has openly discussed her experiences with performance anxiety, revealing that she developed coping mechanisms early in her gymnastics career. “Growing up, I had a lot of performance anxiety, so early on I had to learn so many different tools to cope with that and understand the way my brain works,” Hernandez explained. “I gained a toolbox, so whenever I was nervous or feeling like the pressure was on, I knew what tools to turn to, and I’m using those same things for my Broadway debut.” This “toolbox” includes pre-performance rituals, such as listening to music with her teammates, a practice she continues backstage at the Sondheim Theatre.
The transition from the concise, explosive routines of gymnastics to the sustained energy required for a 2.5-hour Broadway performance has also presented a learning curve. Hernandez noted the difference in training demands, stating, “As a gymnast, I had 11 years to train for something that was essentially only a couple minutes long. For & Juliet, I’ve had about three weeks to train for something that is 2.5 hours long, so I’m trying to figure out how I know when I’m ready.” Despite this adjustment, Hernandez is embracing the challenge, leaning on the support of her castmates and the contagious enthusiasm of the production team. She emphasized the collaborative spirit, noting that even seasoned Broadway performers are excited to share in the energy of her debut.
& Juliet: A Pop-Fueled Reimagining of a Classic
& Juliet, created by David West Read and directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Jennifer Weber, offers a fresh and vibrant take on the classic Shakespearean tale. The musical imagines a world where Juliet doesn’t die at the conclude of Romeo and Juliet, but instead embarks on a journey of self-discovery and finds love on her own terms. The story is brought to life through a dynamic playlist of pop hits penned by Max Martin, including iconic songs like “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “I Wish It That Way,” and “Confident.” The show’s innovative blend of classic storytelling and contemporary music has resonated with audiences, earning critical acclaim and establishing itself as a popular choice on Broadway.
Hernandez’s role as Charmion is a featured dance role within the ensemble, allowing her to showcase her athleticism and stage presence. She’s also been mindful of maintaining her physical well-being throughout the demanding performance schedule. “I’ve been using a travel-size Theragun muscle massager and that’s been changing my life,” Hernandez revealed. “It’s small enough to slip into my purse, so I’ve been able to use it to warm up and cool down. It’s literally been saving my muscles. That, and a really good moisturizer, since I’m sweating a lot more than I have in a long time.”
Looking Ahead: Performances Through June 2026
Laurie Hernandez is scheduled to perform in & Juliet at the Sondheim Theatre through June 14, 2026. Tickets are currently available through the show’s official website, andjulietbroadway.com. The production currently plays eight performances a week, offering audiences ample opportunity to witness Hernandez’s captivating performance. Her involvement in the show is a testament to her versatility and her willingness to embrace new artistic endeavors.
Hernandez’s journey from Olympic gymnast to Broadway performer is an inspiring example of pursuing passions and embracing new challenges. Her dedication, athleticism, and unwavering support system have paved the way for success in both arenas. As she continues her run in & Juliet, audiences can expect a dynamic and captivating performance from this multi-talented athlete and entertainer. The production is currently running as scheduled, with no announced changes to the performance calendar as of March 19, 2026.
The next opportunity to see Hernandez perform in & Juliet will be during the evening performance on March 20, 2026. For those interested in learning more about the show or purchasing tickets, please visit andjulietbroadway.com. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on Hernandez’s Broadway debut in the comments below.
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