The new Broadway production of Romeo + Juliet, directed by Sam Gold, offers a bold, Gen Z-inspired retelling of Shakespeare’s classic love story, featuring young stars Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler.
With its neon-lit, rave-like setting and Charli XCX blasting in the lobby, the show aims to refresh the well-known play for a modern audience. Connor and Zegler shine in their roles, captivating audiences with undeniable chemistry, particularly during an intense balcony scene.
Connor brings a mix of humor and sincerity to Romeo, while Zegler portrays Juliet with wit and strength, even performing original songs by Jack Antonoff.
While the leads are compelling, Gold’s concept often feels cluttered. The set, filled with props like large teddy bears, can feel overwhelming, and the costumes lack cohesion.
Despite standout lighting and a few visually striking moments, the staging fails to convey the tension between the Capulets and Montagues, which weakens the play’s central conflict. Ultimately, Gold’s attempt to invigorate the play’s “youthful vitality” ends up overshadowing the strength of the story itself.
