CCM alumnus Michael Canu shares experience as Romeo in '& Juliet'

Musical theatre grad returns to Cincinnati in national tour of reimagined Shakespearean hit

Story by CCM Graduate Assistant Kierra Mykel

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) celebrates alumnus Michael Canu (BFA Musical Theatre, '20), who stars as Romeo in the national tour of "& Juliet." Canu was recently featured on Local 12 News, where he shared his experience with the groundbreaking production and what it means to perform in his hometown. 

Michael Canu speaks with Sheila Gray on Local 12 news.

Michael Canu speaks with Sheila Gray on Local 12 news.

Canu, a proud graduate of CCM's renowned Musical Theatre program, credits his time at the conservatory for preparing him to take on such a demanding and joyful role. His return to Cincinnati is a testament to the program's continued legacy of excellence and influence on Broadway stages nationwide.

"& Juliet is such a fun, high-energy show that turns a classic story on its head," Canu shared in the interview. "It's a full-circle moment to bring this story to life on the Cincinnati stage where my journey began."

The hit Broadway musical asks the question: What if Juliet didn't die? Set to a soundtrack of iconic pop anthems by songwriter Max Martin, the show follows Juliet as she writes her story full of humor, heart and empowerment. Learn more about & Juliet's national tour. 


Featured image at the top: A production image from Broadway's & Juliet. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Headshot of Kierra Mykel

Kierra Mykel

CCM Graduate Assistant, Marketing + Communications

Kierra Mykel is a graduate student studying Arts Administration at CCM. Kierra is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University and recently studied abroad in London to learn more about their theatre history and the performing arts industry.

Related Stories

2

UC Board votes to fund design for YMCA renovation

October 28, 2025

At its October 28, 2025 meeting, the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees approved $5 million in funding to complete all design and pre-construction services required to renovate the interior of a former YMCA building located at 270 Calhoun Street.