Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler Can’t Stop Kissing in Broadway’s Steamy Romeo + Juliet Revival

Across Romeo + Juliet revival knows its audience, all right.

The cast of director Sam Gold Heartstopper breakthrough Kit Connor and A story from the west side actress Rachel Zegler in the title roles of William Shakespeare’s classic romantic tragedy, two of Hollywood’s biggest rising stars. And, knowing that the icons of Gen-Z would attract flocks of their eager fans to the cinema, he made sure that this Romeo + Juliet gave the audience exactly what they wanted: lots and lots of kissing.

In fact, theatergoers went so makeup-crazy in the production — which opened Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Circle in the Square Theater in New York City — that Connor, 20, and Zegler, 23, added another dip themselves to the pre-show review.

This puckering of the lips occurs especially during Shakespeare’s famous balcony scene, where Romeo declares his love to Juliet from the garden below and the two decide to marry.

Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler celebrate their first Broadway performance Romeo + Juliet on stage Door Bash (exclusive)

Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor in ‘Romeo + Juliet’ on Broadway.

Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Readers of the play may realize that the script usually does not include a kiss, the Bard intends the physical distance between Romeo and Juliet to serve as a symbol of the hatred that exists between the families of the torn lovers. But Gold throws it out the window, forcing Conner to retreat to the raised bed where Zegler is perched, so he can bid her one last goodbye.

There, to gleeful “oohs” and “ahhs” directed at the actor’s exposed arm muscles from the eager audience, Connor kissed Zegler’s lips.

The audience clearly loves him, so much so that fake videos of passionate burning have gone viral on TikTok.

Check out Kit Connor, Rachel Zegler, Jack Antonoff and More Celebrate Romeo and JulietBroadway opening in New York

Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler in ‘Romeo + Juliet’ on Broadway.

Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

As Connor and Zegler said Teen Vogue in a story within a story posted on Oct. 22, the two considered the idea of ​​an extra smooch on Sept. 25, during an invited dress rehearsal.

“The whole thing is that he never gets to her and that’s the beauty of the scene,” Zegler explained. “But he figured out a way to get to me and I immediately went backstage after the balcony scene … we signed up, and then I immediately grabbed my phone and texted Sam, our director, and I said, ‘We have to kiss in to the scene on the balcony.’ And he said: ‘Done and done.’ … According to the first inspection, that kiss was inside.”

And that, perhaps, is what sums up Gold’s brave new revival Romeo + Juliet best. Because every decision in creating this production seems to have been made not in the service of the script, but in the service of 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 special, unique world where many who have probably never seen in this story can feel represented. And his creative team — including costume designer Enver Chakartash, lighting designer Isabella Byrd, choreographer Sonya Tayeh and set designer Dots — all worked together to create an immersive environment that reflects that.

The cast is dressed in modern late 90s, early 2000s inspired clothing that appears to have been purchased directly from Contempo Casuals or Urban Outfitters of yesteryear. Inflatable furniture and shopping carts full of stuffed animals are scattered around the stage. There are neon lights, same-sex smooches, vaping and a ball filled with rave music and lots of energetic dancing. There’s even a floor of silk flowers that would make the perfect backdrop for the most Instagrammable Verona selfies.

Helping set the mood is a score written by prolific producer Jack Antonoff, and the show marks the first time he’s composed for Broadway. A handful of songs — including “Man of the House,” an infectious song beautifully sung by Zegler — give the entire show an atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

Gabby Beans in ‘Romeo + Juliet’ on Broadway.

Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler celebrate their first Broadway performance Romeo + Juliet on stage Door Bash (exclusive)

The actors, apart from our title characters, are completely gender and color blind. Many actors move effortlessly between very different roles.

Gabby Beans, 2022 Tony nominee The skin of our teethbases the series as Mercutio, the Friar and the Prince. Tommy Dorfman, distinguished in 13 reasons whyit alternates between Tybalt and the Nurse, bringing equal strength to both characters. Gían Pérez, in his stunning Broadway debut, tackles Samson, Paris and Peter. And the bearded Sola Fadiran, the latest from Aaron Sorkin’s Tony-nominated revival Camelotit adds warmth and strength to both of Juliet’s parents, Capulet and Lady Capulet.

The rest of the cast, all doing solid work, consists 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 ran away with the show. The two have sizzling chemistry and represent a bright-eyed, hopeful, and loving Romeo and Juliet — which makes their tragic end all the more heartbreaking.

It’s an impressive dynamic to craft, especially considering both are making their Broadway debuts in the production. Watching, it’s easy to get swept up in the energy of the room and feel the excitement of watching two of Hollywood’s brightest stars embark on what will likely be long and varied careers.

Tickets for Romeo + Juliet they are on sale now.

Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor in ‘Romeo + Juliet’ on Broadway.

Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

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Source: HIS Education