Reel Review: Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler are heartstopping in Broadway’s Romeo + Juliet
One of New York City’s largest attractions and spectacles is Broadway! It is always so much fun going into the city to see a show, but choosing what show to see can be a challenge. The 2024 revival of Romeo + Juliet quickly became a success when Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler were cast to play the couple back in September. Located at the Circle in the Square Theatre, Romeo + Juliet offers both music and comedy while retelling the tragic story with a modern twist!
Based on Shakespeare’s original work, the play sheds a new light on these timeless characters. Connor’s portrayal of Romeo is somewhat that of a ‘bad boy’ with his leather jacket and laid-back view of the world (and he definitely has us all swooning). Zegler’s take on Juliet is equally as refreshing. Juliet is a smart girl who finds herself trapped in her father’s controlling manner. When Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time, Connor and Zegler’s chemistry can be felt throughout the entire theater.
While the surrounding cast that joins Connor and Zegler may be small, they sure are important in retelling this story. The company of these characters add new and diverse voices into the mix through comedic dancing and a series of hilarious musical numbers. Because the play is a comedic tragedy, you definitely get a good amount of the funny moments to balance out the tears that follow in the second half of the show.
There was not a dry eye in the theater during the sentimental scenes. Rachel Zegler’s musical ability is perfectly depicted in the song ‘Man of the House’ which Juliet sings as a plea to Romeo in the second act. At this point in the show, Romeo has fled after leaving an array of untimely deaths behind him, and Juliet is forced into an unwanted marriage by the means of her father.
After a plan to stage Juliet’s death is set in motion, news gets back to Romeo in a series of unfortunate miscommunications, which eventually lead him to believe that Juliet is actually dead. Without his love, Romeo feels that there is nothing left to live for, and so we continue the story up to the moment of the lover’s tragic fate.
Romeo’s death scene had the audience sobbing, which was soon followed by Juliet’s parallel death. While we knew it was bound to happen, Connor and Zegler’s respective performances made the outcome feel even more tragic.
From the minute you sit down to the second the lights are turned back on, you can truly feel how much love and energy went into making this production. The sets were simple, yet were utilized effortlessly. The musical score by Jack Antonoff also moved the story along smoothly. The entire show will have you laughing, crying, and leave you speechless all within 2 hours.
As NYC’s Broadway Week approaches, you will definitely want to experience the magic of Romeo + Juliet yourself before its final run on February 16!
