Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor in Broadway’s ‘Romeo + Juliet’.Photo:Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Broadway’sRomeo + Julietrevival knows its audience, alright.
Director Sam Gold’s castHeartstopperbreakoutKit ConnorandWest Side StoryactressRachel Zeglerin the title roles of William Shakespeare’s classic romantic tragedy, two of Hollywood’s biggest rising stars. And, knowing that the Gen-Z icons would be drawing a bevy of their eager fans to the theater, he made sure thisRomeo + Julietgave the audience exactly what they want: lots and lots of kissing.
In fact, theatergoers go so crazy for the makeouts in the production — which opened on Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City — that Connor, 20, and Zegler, 23, themselves added one more smooch in before previews began.
That lip-lock in particular happens during Shakespeare’s famed balcony scene, where Romeo declares his love for Juliet from the garden below and the two decide to marry.
Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor in ‘Romeo + Juliet’ on Broadway.Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
There, as a score of gleeful “oohs” and “ahhs” directed at the actor’s exposed arm muscles project from the eager audience, Connor plants a kiss on Zegler’s lips.
Audiences clearly love it, so much so thatbootleg recordings of the passionate peck have gone viral on TikTok.
Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler in ‘Romeo + Juliet’ on Broadway.Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
As Connor and Zegler toldTeen Voguein a story published on Oct. 22, the two brainstormed the idea of the additional smooch on Sept. 25, during the invited dress rehearsal.
And that, perhaps, is what sums up Gold’s bold new revival ofRomeo + Julietbest. Because every decision in the creation of this production seems to have been made not in service to the script, but in service to Connor and Zegler’s generation of fans.
Kit Conner (center) and the company of ‘Romeo + Juliet’ on Broadway.Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Gold has clearly created a distinct, unique world in which many who have likely never seen themselves in this tale can feel represented. And his creative team — including costume designer Enver Chakartash, lighting designer Isabella Byrd, choreographer Sonya Tayeh and scenic designer Dots — have all worked together to create an immersive setting that reflects that.
The cast is decked out in trendy late ’90s, early 2000s-inspired Brat garb, seemingly bought directly from a Contempo Casuals or Urban Outfitters of yesteryear. Inflatable furniture and shopping carts full of stuffed animals are littered around the stage. There’s neon lights, same-sex smooches, vaping and a ball filled with rave-like music and lots of energetic dancing. There’s even a floor of silk flowers that would make the perfect backdrop for the most Instagramable selfies in Verona.
Casting, save for our titular characters, is completely gender and color-blind. Many actors effortlessly move between wildly different roles.
The rest of the cast, all doing solid work, are made up of Daniel Bravo Hernández (Abraham), Jasai Chase-Owens (Gregory), Nihar Duvvuri as (Balthazar) and Taheen Modak (Benvolio).
Tommy Dorfman in ‘Romeo + Juliet’ on Broadway.Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
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But there’s no doubt that Connor and Zegler are the stars here, and they run away with the show. Yes, they’re often playing into the expectations of the audience (both strip for an on-stage costume change, so brace for the squeals at Connor’s six-pack). But behind all that is serious talent. The two have combustable chemistry, and present a Romeo and Juliet that are bright-eyed, hopeful and lead with love — which makes their tragic ending that much more heartbreaking.
It’s an impressive dynamic to craft, especially given as both are making their Broadway debuts in the production. Watching, it’s easy for one to get swept up in the energy of the room, and feel the excitement of watching two of Hollywood’s brightest stars at the beginning of what will likely be long and diverse careers.
Tickets forRomeo + Julietare now on sale.
source: people.com