William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright of all time.

Max Martin is a music producer and songwriter who has written dozens of hit singles, recorded by Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, Celine Dion, NSYNC, and others.

The worlds of these two artists collide in the musical "& Juliet," which I saw Tuesday evening at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre.

"& Juliet" begins with Shakespeare and his wife, Ann Hathaway, debating the tragic ending of Will's classic play, "Romeo & Juliet," Ann suggests that Juliet does not have to die - that she can move on with her life after the death of her star-crossed lover. In the rest of the show, we see this hypothetical life played out, as Will and Ann write it. The story is set to the songs composed by Martin, which fit delightfully into the play. When Ann requests a new ending, Will points at the script and sings, "I Want It That Way!"

Fabiola Caraballo Quijada is excellent as Juliet, and CJ Eldred nails the role of Will Shakespeare. Still, Nico Ocha steals the show as Ann, who casts herself into her own version of the play she is rewriting.

The combination of practical sets and video screens energized this production, but the choreography brought it to life.

The climax occurred when five cast members dressed up as a boy band for a triumphant rendition of The Back Street Boys' "Rock Your Body." They named themselves "de Bois Band", in honor of one of the characters - Francois De Bois.

And did I mention that Joey Fatone, formerly of N'Sync, plays Francois's father? Now, sporting a gray beard, he draws a life when he dances like a teenager.

The story has a serious message as young Juliet tries to make her own decisions apart from her family or the men in her life. But it is also a fun celebration of music.