Rachel Zegler, Kit Connor bring timeless 'Romeo + Juliet' to Generation Z audiences
Since its preview on September 26 and official opening on October 24, audiences have flocked to see Sam Gold's take on "Romeo + Juliet." This production joins the countless adaptations of the story, but this version stars Kit Connor and New Jersey's own Rachel Zegler as the titular characters.
Connor, known for the Netflix series "Heartstopper," and Zegler, known for her roles in "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" and another "Romeo and Juliet" adaptation, Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story," have brought a new crowd to Broadway.
The consistently crowded stage door each night is a clear sign that this new production has helped introduce William Shakespeare and the medium of theater to a younger audience.
Utilizing the Circle in the Square Theatre, which is in a theater in the round, everyone in the house has good seats. Cast members interact with the audience and even run through the crowd during certain moments in the show. The space is used to its fullest, and the audience feels like they are a part of the story. There's even a pre-show where the actors are present on stage, simply talking to each other.
You might expect old-fashioned costumes, but the show goes all-in on the modern look, with characters wearing outfits that can probably be found at Urban Outfitters. Props included a giant teddy bear, a "borg" and a Hello Kitty backpack. While eye-catching, these modern aspects don't detract from the show's core message. It only makes the story more relatable for younger theater-goers and helps the actors connect with the audience.
Of course, Connor and Zegler, who adopt the titular roles of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, respectively, are the standouts. The chemistry between the two actors shines, especially during the balcony scene and the show's final moments. Connor and Zegler bring an innocence to the two characters, often not seen in other show productions.
The final scene brought everyone to tears with the raw energy between the two actors, an impressive feat considering this production marks the Broadway debut for both performers. Connor's performance specifically evoked gasps, especially during his pull-up on the balcony as he dangles from Juliet's floating bed and then pulls up to kiss her.
Most of the supporting cast portrays more than one character, but they all bring a very particular flair to each character they play. It's easy to follow when they "switch" roles, especially when it comes to the performances of Gabby Beans, Tommy Dorfman, Gían Pérez and Sola Fadiran. Each character they create feels lived in and like a real person.
Another impressive aspect of the show was its music, helmed by Grammy winner Jack Antonoff, known for his work with artists like Lorde and Taylor Swift. Zegler performs an original song written by Antonoff at the end of the first act titled, "Man of the House," which is worth the price of the ticket alone. Zegler's voice is magical and takes the audience on a journey.
The musical numbers are complimented by the movement direction of Tony winner Sonya Tayeh, who does a fantastic job of making the characters feel real and the space they perform feel lived in, and the show's beautiful set design, with the bed of roses that Romeo falls into being a standout.
This adaptation is perfect for "Gen Z" because it doesn't "dumb down" the source material — it simply makes it more relatable through music, costumes and actors. The play's themes, including the importance of communication in navigating relationships, continue to resonate in the digital age.
Although the tickets are expensive and likely to be in high demand throughout its 20-week run, the show is definitely worth the hassle. Zegler and Connor are both at the start of long, influential careers, and seeing them in their Broadway debuts is historic.
