Fabiola Carabello Quijada will star as the lead in the upcoming play “& Juliet” at the Tennessee Theater in Knoxville. Quijada, a three-time Jimmy Award nominee and one-time winner, immigrated to the United States in 2013.

Her mother encouraged her to find an activity that could channel her high energy, and Quijada chose theater.

“It gave me the chance to be as big as I wanted to be,” Quijada said. “I liked playing Juliet because she is quirky and full of light.”

Created by the Emmy-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” the musical flips the script on one of the greatest love stories ever told. “& Juliet” asks: What if Juliet did not die over Romeo? The show follows her as she leaves her famous ending behind for a fresh start and a second chance at life and love on her own terms.

Juliet’s new story unfolds through a playlist of pop anthems, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life,” “That’s The Way It Is,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” The romantic comedy proves there is life after Romeo—and that missing it would be the real tragedy.

Quijada said she would also like to take on other roles beyond Juliet. “I enjoy dark roles,” Quijada said. “I would love to play Mrs. Lovett from ‘Sweeney Todd,’ or even Sweeney Todd himself. Maybe Lydia from ‘Beetlejuice,’ or Wednesday or Morticia from ‘The Addams Family.’”

“& Juliet” will run at the Tennessee Theater from August 4-9. For more information, visit Tennesseetheater.com.