Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler are set to make their Broadway debuts in a new production of "Romeo + Juliet," opening on October 24, directed by Tony Award winner Sam Gold. Previews begin on September 26 at the Circle in the Square Theater, where the two young actors will bring Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers to life eight times a week.
Connor, known for his role in Netflix’s Heartstopper, and Zegler, who rose to fame in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, expressed both excitement and some nerves about tackling the iconic roles. In an interview with The New York Times, Connor said, “It should be fun,” while Zegler replied, “It will be fun,” with a hint of playful sarcasm. The two actors first met in March after being cast separately, and their chemistry was quickly apparent.
Director Sam Gold, recalling their first meeting, said, “They could have been scared, tentative, guarded, but it just felt super easy.” Gold noted an “immediate effervescence” between the actors, which reassured him they could carry the emotional weight of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
While the actors share a friendly bond, both admit to feeling a bit of "Shakespeare-induced impostor syndrome." Connor, who had limited experience with Shakespeare, admitted, “You feel a sense of, ‘Am I cut out for this?’” Zegler shared similar concerns but emphasized the importance of their off-stage connection. “If I can’t joke with you, how are we going to fall in love every night?” she said. Connor added that trust and intimacy were essential for portraying such an intense love story.
As they prepare for the revival, audiences can expect a fresh, emotionally charged take on "Romeo + Juliet."
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