Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor Kick Off Rehearsals for Broadway's Romeo + Juliet — See the Pics from Their First Day

Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor are that much closer to making their Broadway debuts!

Two actors — that upcoming live action Snow White film and he, known for his role in Heartstopper — are starring in a new production of William Shakespeare Romeo + Juliet. And on Monday, August 12, the couple gathered together with the rest of the cast, creatives and production team for their first day of rehearsals in New York.

Photos from the milestone meeting were released by the producers on Wednesday, August 21.

The day began with a meet and greet, followed by a design presentation led by director Sam Gold and set designer Dots.

Zegler, 23, and Connor, 20, were all smiles in the pictures, even posing together for one cute photo.

The images also show the two stars smiling as they stand alongside company members and the musical’s creative team, including choreographer Sonya Tayeh, who will design the show’s movements, and Grammy Award winner Jack Antonoff, who will write the original music used in the production.

The cast and creative team of Broadway’s ‘Romeo + Juliet’, including Kit Connor, Rachel Zegler and Jack Antonoff.

Emilio Madrid

Performances for Romeo + Juliet begins Thursday, September 26 at the Circle in the Square Theatre, before the official opening on Thursday, October 24. The play is currently scheduled for a strictly limited engagement of 16 weeks.

The Bard’s classic from 1597 follows the tragic romance of two Italian teenagers from feuding families. The play has been on Broadway for nearly 40 previous productions, including the most recent revival in 2013 starring Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad.

It was also the inspiration for A story from the west sidethe award-winning musical by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim that was recently adapted into a 2021 Steven Spielberg film starring Zegler.

“Young are fucked,” reads the logline for the new Broadway production. “Abandoned to their own devices in the world of their parents’ violent goals, an impulsive pair of star-crossed lovers rush towards their inevitable destiny. The heady rush of passion quickly descends into brutal chaos that can only end one way.”

Rachel Zegler, Sam Gold and Kit Connor.

Emilio Madrid

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This week only, Vogue released an interview with Zegler and Connor in which he admitted he was “damn nervous” to take on the role, but excited for the challenge it presented.

“I’m so excited to get back to my roots and the things I love so much,” Zegler told the outlet, adding “I can’t believe this is my life.”

Both explained that they had come to their senses Romeo + Juliet for different reasons — Connor signed on because he “craved Shakespeare,” and Zegler jumped at the chance to work with Gold. The two stars didn’t actually know each other until they got the role, but they’ve already grown close.

“Think we don’t get along?” Zegler joked.

Jack Antonoff (center) at the first rehearsal for ‘Romeo + Juliet’.

Emilio Madrid

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I agree with Zegler and Connor Romeo + Juliet are Gabby Beans as Mercutio/Friar, Tommy Dorfman as Nurse/Tybalt, Nihar Duvvuri as Balthazar, Sola Fadiran as Capulet/Lady Capulet, Daniel Bravo Hernández as Abraham, Taheen Modak as Benvolio, Jasai Chase Owens as Gregory and Gían Pérez as Samson /Paris/Peter.

The cast is rounded out by actors Missy Malek, Timothy Oh, Susannah Perkins and Daniel Velez.

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The cast of ‘Romeo + Juliet’.

Emilio Madrid

And while everyone looked happy at that first rehearsal, tragedy struck Romeo + Juliet weaving flats. In his conversation with VogueZegler even said she hopes the play’s savagery — which is especially poignant in today’s political landscape — will be something audiences explore after they leave the theater.

“That’s what we do as artists and actors: We hold a mirror up to the world, and what they do based on that scrutiny is up to them,” Zegler said. “I think Sam really took that to heart: What kind of world are we leaving behind for future generations?”

“Young people are screwed if the older generation doesn’t do something about it,” she continues. “And so you hope it serves more as a warning than a statement.”

Tickets for Romeo + Juliet they are on sale now.

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Source: HIS Education