New York, Oct 25, (V7N) — With “Brat summer” behind us, Broadway welcomes a vibrant new production of “Romeo + Juliet,” which opened on Oct. 24 at the Circle in the Square Theatre. Directed by Sam Gold, this Gen Z-inspired rendition reimagines Shakespeare’s iconic love story, drawing in fans with its youthful energy and star power, featuring Kit Connor (“Heartstopper”) and Rachel Zegler (“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes”).
 
Gold aims to inject fresh life into the 1597 classic, occasionally succeeding in creating intimate and beautiful moments thanks to the palpable chemistry between Connor and Zegler. However, for older audiences, the experience might leave them feeling more fatigued than enchanted.
 
From the moment attendees enter the theater, they are immersed in a neon-drenched atmosphere, with Charli XCX blaring in the lobby and playful teddy bears adorning the space. Actors engage with the audience before the curtain rises, fostering a casual, youthful vibe reminiscent of teens gathering in a parking lot—only infused with Shakespearean flair.
 
The setting transforms fair Verona into a lively underground rave, complete with oversized teddy bears. Yet, Gold struggles to generate real tension between the feuding Montagues and Capulets, with many actors portraying dual roles, making it hard to discern the familial conflicts.
 
While the cast often engages in playful interactions offstage, this approach blurs the lines between the two rival houses, diluting the sense of urgency that underpins the original tale. Unlike last spring’s impactful “The Outsiders,” this production lacks the necessary friction to convey the stakes effectively.
 
The production shines brightest when it allows its stars to take center stage. Connor’s portrayal of Romeo is both sincere and charming, delivering a standout moment as he effortlessly pulls off a passionate kiss with Zegler during a dramatic balcony scene. His interpretation brings humor and depth to the character, resonating well with the audience.
 
Zegler’s Juliet is equally compelling, showcasing a blend of wit and strength. Her performances, including two original songs by pop producer Jack Antonoff, highlight her vocal prowess, even if the tunes don’t necessarily advance the plot. Both actors are so captivating that one might wish for a stronger overall production to complement their talents.
 
Visually, the show benefits from striking lighting by Isabella Byrd, especially during key moments like the balcony scene. However, the set design can feel cluttered, detracting from the intimate setting. Gold’s ambitious attempt to convey youthful exuberance sometimes overshadows the play’s inherent intensity, leaving the production feeling less impactful than it aims to be.
 
Ultimately, this frenetic adaptation of “Romeo + Juliet” strives for modern relevance but risks losing some of the story’s darker nuances in the process.

END/NYC/SMA/