Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor Are Spectacular Star-Crossed Lovers in Broadway’s Romeo + Juliet
Parting from this show was such sweet sorrow. Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor are the perfect pair to breathe new life and love into William Shakespeare’s most famous story: Romeo + Juliet. I was lucky enough to see the new Broadway production on its final night of previews and there are only two words I can use to describe this show: absolutely perfect. This tragic love story has been told in various ways since 1597 (yes, it’s that old!), but the latest stage adaptation, directed by Sam Gold, is a sparkling Gen-Z retelling of the classic tale.
Before we dive into the play itself, endless praise is due for the arena that houses the enchanting Verona in New York City. The Circle in the Square theater is beautifully simplistic and surprisingly intimate. Audience members are immersed in the action and theatergoers like myself who paid for the more affordable seats were thrilled to find that even the back row is just a few feet away from the story. Often, we were beside the stars as they performed. Our side of the theater was treated to a special performance by Zegler, who sang a gorgeous song on a smaller stage within our seating area. Connor made full use of the theater, running between seats and even talking to audience members, fully immersing everyone in the story.
The small stage is utilized perfectly. One of the most clever set designs is the floating bed that serves as Juliet’s famous balcony. Perhaps the most charming and romantic moment in the story occurs when Romeo appears below the balcony. Connor surprises the audience with a daring pull-up to Zegler, who is floating from her bed, sealing the scene with a romantic kiss. This theater is the perfect Verona, making everyone feel like they’re part of the story — a rarity in live theater nowadays.
Zegler is undoubtedly one of the most talented performers of our generation. From the moment she graces the stage, she is enthralling. Her portrayal of Juliet is both kind and determined. She rejects marriage out of obligation and hilariously dodges proposals from Paris before meeting her Romeo. While the story is performed in the original Shakespearian text, Zegler delivers her lines with a genuine and relatable sincerity that allows audiences to effortlessly follow Juliet’s evolving feelings throughout the show.
I will admit I started sobbing when Juliet sang. The play is by no means a musical, but you can’t cast Zegler and not have her sing! The music was composed by renowned musician and producer Jack Antonoff. When Romeo first sees Juliet, it’s at a disco-themed party where she is on a stage singing. Like a true star, Zegler gets the audience out of their seats and ready to party. She later brings the audience to tears with the show-stopping original song “Man of the House.” Even though the songs are sparse, they never feel out of place. Zegler is completely in her element performing heart-wrenching ballads, as we’ve seen in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Getting to hear her perform live was a beautiful moment I will never forget.
Connor is irresistibly charming as Romeo. He starts as a brooding, lonely young man bored with his life, but from the moment he sees Juliet, he transforms into a lovestruck, swoon-worthy prince who has every person in the theater falling in love. The Heartstopper star particularly stole the scene where he watches Juliet as she sits on her balcony. He commands the room as he runs between stands, hopelessly falling in love with her. His pure puppy love toward Juliet makes the audience both laugh and blush. Connor effortlessly carries the complexity of Romeo on his shoulders. As the story progresses, Romeo is forced to confront the vicious rivalry between the Montagues and Capulets. Every second they are on stage, audiences can feel the love between Zegler and Connor, making the story impossible to look away from.
The small, talented cast is as versatile as they are entertaining. Many actors hold several roles within the story. Gabby Beans instantly draws the audience in as Friar Lawrence, our story’s narrator, and effortlessly transforms into Romeo’s best friend Mercutio. Tommy Dorfman shines in dual roles as both Juliet’s nurse and her hostile cousin Tybalt. Sola Fadiran smoothly portrays both of Juliet’s parents Capulet and Lady Capulet. Gian Perez takes on the most roles, portraying Samson Capulet, Juliet’s suitor Paris, and the nurse’s servant Peter. Whether they held many roles or just one, every cast member brought Verona to life, giving audiences an unparalleled experience.
The story perfectly captured the danger of hatred and the importance of acceptance. As these young star-crossed lovers die for one another, the audience is reminded that cruelty and hatred is never the answer. At the heart of this tragedy is love. The love between the entire cast is felt amongst the audience, which makes this iteration of Shakespeare’s story addicting. Zegler and Connor were perfectly cast for this role, and deserve endless praise for their incomparable talent.
If you are looking for a night of laughter, romance, love, action, and tears, don’t miss the chance to travel to Verona, thanks to the beautiful Broadway production of Romeo + Juliet. The show is currently playing at The Circle in the Square for the next 20 weeks.
