On Saturday night, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made her Broadway debut, fulfilling a lifelong dream by taking the stage in the one-night-only performance of & Juliet, the modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The 54-year-old jurist joined the ensemble cast for this special occasion, marking the first time a sitting Supreme Court Justice has performed on Broadway.
The musical & Juliet, known for its empowering twist on the classic tale, presents Juliet's narrative as one of self-discovery rather than tragic demise. This fresh perspective captivated audiences as Jackson, who has openly expressed her passion for theater since her youth, stepped out from behind the bench to embrace the spotlight. She has long been a fan of the arts, sharing her aspirations throughout her life. "I, a Miami girl from a modest background with an unabashed love of theater, dreamed of one day ascending to the highest court in the land—and I had said so in one of my supplemental application essays," Jackson recalled in her memoir, Lovely One, published just weeks prior to her performance.
The play, which puts Romeo and Juliet’s tragic ending on its head, follows Juliet on her transformative quest, emphasizing themes of empowerment and self-discovery. Jackson took on her role after being invited by the show's producers, demonstrating her passion for performing arts. Her appearance was highlighted by the production on their social media channels, leading up to the much-anticipated event.
To prepare for the performance, which included three scenes and featured her singing alongside the ensemble members, backstage footage was shared online, showing Jackson’s excitement and dedication. She participated cheerfully, joining the cast to perform the Backstreet Boys' classic hit, "Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely." The production documented the energy and enthusiasm she radiated, capturing the moment as one filled with fun and joy.
Following the performance, Jackson expressed her contentment with the experience, stating, "I did it! I made it to Broadway!" Her triumphant declaration echoed the sentiment of many audience members, who were thrilled to see such a significant figure stepping out of her conventional role. Yet, Jackson's foray onto the stage did not come without controversy.
Mixed reactions swept through social media platforms as many offered both support and criticism for her performance. While some appreciated her talent and enthusiasm for the arts, others questioned the appropriateness of her involvement considering her title. Notably, conservative radio host Eric Metaxas took to social media to express his disdain, asking, "If you needed proof Ketanji Brown Jackson does not belong on the Supreme Court, here it is. Absolutely disgraceful..."
This division of opinion highlights the delicate balance Jackson must navigate as she fulfills her duties on the Supreme Court. Critics pointed out potential conflicts of interest and raised concerns about the dignity of the position. Reactions included remarks such as, "Seems very undignified for a Supreme Court Justice," implying her dual role could detract from the gravity expected of the nation's highest judicial authority.
Jackson's Broadway appearance, occurring during the Supreme Court's Christmas recess, could be seen as an effort to bridge the gap between public service and personal fulfillment. Commenting on her unique position, Jackson acknowledged the importance of showing the human side of justices: "It's important to remind people we're public servants and not so detached from the people we serve." This statement resonates with the aim of connecting the judiciary with the broader public narrative.
During her tenure as the first Black woman appointed to the Supreme Court, Jackson has already faced scrutiny, particularly when she struggled to define what it means to be a woman during her confirmation hearings. This past Saturday's performance has similarly sparked debate about her qualifications for the role. Jackson's critics highlight these previous moments, questioning whether her theatrical pursuits reflect poorly on her judgment. One media commentator succinctly summarized this sentiment by quipping, "To be fair, she seems to be a muchbetter actress than a judge."
Despite mixed reviews, Jackson's performance on Broadway may serve as her way of advocating for the significance of following one's dreams—just like the character she portrayed on stage. Perhaps reflecting on her extensive background, she named Matt Damon as one of her former scene partners during college, showcasing the respect and admiration she has for the world of acting.
While her brief foray onto Broadway has raised eyebrows, Justice Jackson continues to embody the spirit of perseverance and aspiration, reminding all of us—regardless of professional title—that it’s important to hold onto our own dreams and passions. Nowadays, as public trust in the Supreme Court faces difficulties, her boldness to embrace the stage serves not only as entertainment but also as commentary on the multifaceted nature of public service.