“Romeo and Juliet” is the worst love story I know. But the North American touring cast’s production of “& Juliet” at the Hobby Center is the best.

The story is told through the eyes of Anne Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare, and Shakespeare himself. Midway through Shakespeare’s most famous – and depressively illogical – tale, Anne snatches the quill out of his hands dramatically, spinning it into her own story of empowerment, teaching that love comes in all different forms. Just as important, not everyone needs romantic love.

Anne takes the classic tale and gives it the much needed feminist perspective on how “Romeo and Juliet” is not the epic love story it’s cracked up to be.

Juliet was around 15 years old, the same as me, when she died. Personally, I don’t think I would die for a person, especially a guy, after only five days of knowing him. As Anne pointed out, you never really know a teenage boy.

Juliet is guided through her “breakup” and while I don’t want to spoil the ending, she doesn’t die. No, seriously, for the first time in a Shakespearean story no one dies, and instead she takes a step forward learning love is not always what you need. In fact, dying for a boy you just met might actually make things worse.

Every twist and turn is perfectly timed with a character breaking out into hit song after hit song, ranging from Britney Spears to Katy Perry hitting all the right notes of Max Martin iconic melodies.

From “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry to “Domino” by Jessie J, I found myself humming along. Although many may find criticism in jukebox musicals, nothing is more satisfying than listening to hit songs accompanied by a dramatic storyline.

Most of these songs were practically made for the stage of “& Juliet” and deserve a choreographed number complete with sparkles and jazz hands.

The stunning performances are accompanied with dazzling costumes. Each design starts with a base of traditional Tudor English but glams up through modern cuts, bright colors and just enough sparkles – although you can never have too many sparkles.

With each octave, a new dramatic twist is revealed accompanied by Anne and William constantly fighting over the lives of each character and the magic quill which makes the decisions.

Through their bickering, they simultaneously bring their own relationship into the spotlight and how the flaws of William being a famous writer took a toll on their family. Anne competes with William, trying to fill Juliet’s life to replace the emptiness of her own relationship.

Their fighting continues until Juliet breaks out “Roar” by Katy Perry in Act II. Only then she emerges as her own person without the effect of the quill or anyone else.

Whether she will get married or not isn’t up to Anne or William to decide. And while “& Juliet” is pure entertainment complete with a jukebox and sparkles, maybe that is the whole point of the show. No matter how hard we try, we never really get to choose the life of anyone else – only our own.