Laurie Hernandez Shines on Broadway: From Olympic Gold to the Stage in ‘& Juliet’

Two-time Olympic medalist Laurie Hernandez is trading her gymnastics leotard for a stage costume, making her Broadway debut in the hit musical & Juliet. The former member of the celebrated “Final Five” is captivating audiences in the role of Charmion, with performances scheduled through June 14, 2026, at the Sondheim Theatre in New York City.

A Supportive Circle

Hernandez’s former teammates from the 2016 U.S. Olympic gymnastics team – Simone Biles, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman – are enthusiastically supporting her transition to the stage. According to Hernandez, they immediately reached out to coordinate visits once her debut was announced. Entertainment Tonight reported Hernandez shared that the group chat was buzzing with plans to attend the show.

From Performance Anxiety to Broadway Confidence

Hernandez, who previously competed on Dancing With the Stars, is drawing on skills honed during her athletic career to manage the pressures of live performance. She explained to Entertainment Tonight that she developed coping mechanisms for performance anxiety during her gymnastics training, and is now applying those same tools to her Broadway debut. She described a pre-show ritual of blasting music with her teammates, a tradition she’s continuing with her new castmates.

Adapting to a New Kind of Training

The transition from gymnastics to Broadway presents unique challenges. Hernandez noted the significant difference in training time: while she spent 11 years preparing for a routine lasting only a few minutes, she had just three weeks to learn a role in a 2.5-hour show. Despite this, she feels prepared, thanks to the support of her new team. Entertainment Tonight

Self-Care and Recovery

Recognizing the physical demands of performing eight shows a week, Hernandez is prioritizing self-care. She’s relying on a travel-size Theragun muscle massager to aid recovery and a decent moisturizer to combat increased perspiration.

About ‘& Juliet’

& Juliet reimagines the classic story of Romeo and Juliet, asking what would happen if Juliet chose a different path after Romeo’s death. The musical features a soundtrack of pop hits by Max Martin, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “I Desire It That Way,” and “Confident.” The production is directed by Luke Sheppard, with choreography by Jennifer Weber.

The Final Five

The “Final Five” – Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman – captivated the nation at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, winning the gold medal in the team event. As of 2024, they remain the most decorated American Olympic gymnastics team, with a total of nine medals.