The excitement on Broadway reached new heights as rising stars Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler celebrated their debut performances in the much-anticipated revival of Romeo + Juliet. Directed by Sam Gold, this fresh adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless tale kicked off its preview performances on September 26 at the Circle in the Square Theatre, with an official opening set for October 24.
Gold’s production not only showcases Connor and Zegler, but also features original music by Grammy-winning artist Jack Antonoff, known for his collaborations with Taylor Swift. This unique blend of talent has injected vibrant energy into the classic romantic tragedy.
Breaking from Broadway tradition, the show’s producers hosted a lively stage door celebration, complete with DJ Amber Valentine spinning tracks, transforming West 50th Street into a festive gathering. Nearly 1,000 fans from a sold-out audience eagerly awaited the cast’s arrival, erupting in cheers that reportedly “nearly drowned out” the iconic performance of Wicked next door.
Among the enthusiastic crowd, one fan even fainted from excitement upon seeing Connor. Zegler rallied the audience with a dance session, leading them in choreography from her hit song “Hot To Go,” followed by chants of “Capulet” and “Montague,” a nod to the play’s central conflict.
The festivities continued at an exclusive after-party at See No Evil Pizza and cocktail bar Nothing Really Matters, where Gold toasted the cast’s success. The ensemble includes several newcomers making their Broadway debuts alongside Connor and Zegler, such as Gabby Beans, Tommy Dorfman, and Nihar Duvvuri.
Romeo + Juliet is set for a limited engagement through February 16, 2025. The play, first published in 1597, chronicles the tragic romance of two young lovers from feuding families and has inspired nearly 40 previous Broadway productions, including the celebrated musical West Side Story.
Reflecting on her journey, Zegler expressed her excitement in a recent Vogue interview: “I’m so thrilled to get to go back to my roots and the thing that I love so much. I can’t believe this is my life.”
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