‘Romeo & Juliet’ on Broadway Experience
I couldn't be more thrilled to share my experience of seeing this incredible play — I’m absolutely buzzing! When I found out I had the chance to see some of my favorite young actors on stage, I jumped at it. During a recent trip to New York City, I had the privilege of seeing Romeo & Juliet, at New York’s Circle in the Square Theatre, featuring Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler! Before entering the show I had no idea just how intimate the experience would be!
This production of Romeo and Juliet is unlike any other I’ve heard of. It’s clearly aimed at a Gen Z audience, with the dynamic duo of Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler leading a young cast, nearly all of whom were making their Broadway debuts. Connor and Zegler themselves each have an enthusiastic following among young adults, thanks to their standout roles on screen.
Kit Connor is best known for playing "Nick" in the hit British Netflix series Heartstopper and for his portrayal of young Elton John in the Academy Award-winning Rocketman. Rachel Zegler, on the other hand, gained fame as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s modern adaptation of West Side Story and more recently, as Lucy Gray Baird in the Hunger Games prequel, Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
Knowing all this, I was extremely curious to see how a classic Shakespearean tragedy would unfold with music by Jack Antonoff. If you don't know his name, trust me, you've heard his music. Antonoff is an 11-time GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter, best known for his production collaborations with chart-toppers like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter. So yes, now you can see why this show has become such a Gen Z magnet!
Broadway director Sam Gold expertly leverages the cast's strengths, making full use of every inch of space. The audience engagement was exceptional — the actors moved through the crowd, running up and down the stairs and even asking rhetorical questions to the viewers.
Another standout moment was when Juliet sings to the crowd at the party where Romeo first notices her. With Rachel Zegler’s stunning voice, it was the perfect opportunity for her vocals to truly shine.
"Man of the House" is the first track from the soundtrack to be released on digital streaming platforms — and somehow, it’s already made its way into my top 5 most-streamed songs of 2024, just two months after its release. If that tells you anything about how much I enjoyed it, it was even better live.
Kit Connor’s incredible talent for playing lovable characters who are head-over-heels in love fits this show perfectly. Honestly, he could probably have chemistry with a wall if you ask me. I also have to mention the insane viral moment where he dangles from a hanging platform, does a full pull-up, and effortlessly holds the position while kissing Juliet (Zegler) and don’t even get me started on the shirtless kissing scene on said platform— if you know, you know. Seriously, look it up.
Finally, Rachel Zegler’s acting, and especially her singing, did not disappoint one bit.
Overall, Romeo + Juliet is an engaging, thrilling and thoroughly worthwhile experience. I highly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to see it while it's still on Broadway to do so. The show runs for 2 hours and 20 minutes, with a 10-minute intermission, and is playing at the Circle in the Square Theatre through February 16, 2025.
-XOXO Rachel
My Friend Julia & I in front of the theatre poster. 
Our Playbills inside the theatre as the cast danced onstage during the pre-show
Kit Connor signed Playbills at Stage Door after the show!
Kit Connor signed my Playbill at the Stage Door!