“Romeo and Juliet” has been performed, read, and reenacted countless times. Making its way from 17th-century England to most high school English classes, everyone knows the story of the Shakespearean classic. Starring Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story” and “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”) as Juliet and Kit Connor (“Heartstopper”) as Romeo, directed by Tony Award winner Sam Gold and with music by Grammy award winner Jack Antonoff, “Romeo + Juliet” brings a twist to the popular story with comedy, contemporary flair, and quirkiness.
The new musical is on Broadway at Circle in the Square Theatre in Midtown, Manhattan for 20 weeks. Previews began on September 26, and the show officially opened on October 24. The show spans two and a half hours with a 10-minute intermission.
Given the nature of the Circle in the Square Theater, the show is extremely immersive. Not only is the stage a circle, as the name suggests, but performers constantly run up and down the aisles, climbing up ladders to a catwalk above the stage. Some lines were delivered from the catwalk, adding another unexpected element to the staging. The actors also interacted directly with the audience in various ways, including pointing a microphone at them or even, in one scene, asking for the chair of one of them. Since the theater is so small, there didn’t seem to be a bad seat in the house.
While Romeo and Juliet is undoubtedly a tragedy, this production highlighted the play’s comedic elements, especially in the first act. Gabby Beans delivered humorous lines through both her characters, the Friar and Mercutio, generating laughs from the audience. Sola Fadrian played both Capulet and Lady Capulet, Juliet’s parents. Switching between these two roles created an unexpected but funny dynamic. It was easy to differentiate between the mother and father based on Fadrian’s mannerisms. Connor and Zelger made a convincing couple, their chemistry palpable from the first time they were on stage together.
The contemporary props and costumes contrasted the antiquity of the dialogue, which remained the same. Performers wore a variety of bright clothing, including neon outfits, shiny silver suits, and modern dresses. Characters even smoked cigarettes and vaped onstage. The set and costumes significantly contributed to the show’s uniqueness, setting it apart from other Romeo and Juliet productions.
After the production, audience members surrounded the barricade by the entrance of the theater waiting for the cast to exit. I definitely recommend waiting outside to get your Playbill or poster signed. Even from pretty far back, I was able to get Kit Connor’s autograph on my Playbill.
The show also featured several songs. Zegler shines in “Man of the House,” bringing her powerful voice to a sweet love song. Audience members familiar with Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Bleachers, and Lana Del Rey will recognize Antonoff’s characteristic sound, especially in this number. The cast came together at the end of the show to sing a final song. Adding a song to the traditional ending of Romeo and Juliet was a unique way to show that the characters had put their past rivalries behind them.
After the show, audience members could line up by the stage door to get their Playbills autographed by the cast members. I was lucky enough to get the autographs of several of the actors, including Kit Connor.
Merch for sale at the venue included hoodies, shirts, a poster, water bottles, socks, a tote bag, a hat, and a stuffed teddy bear to match the giant teddy bear props used in the show. I bought a hoodie and a poster.
If you are looking for a new, exciting Broadway show to watch, I would definitely recommend purchasing tickets to see the show!
