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Broadway Reviews

Romeo + Juliet

Theatre Review by Howard Miller - October 24, 2024

Romeo + Juliet by William Shakespeare. Edited by Sam Gold. Directed by Sam Gold. Music by Jack Antonoff. Movement direction and choreography by Sonya Tayeh. Scenic design by dots. Costume design by Enver Chakartash. Lighting design by Isabella Byrd. Sound design by Cody Spencer. Hair, wig, and makeup design by Robert Pickens and Katie Gell. Intimacy director Claire Warden. Violence by Drew Leary. Voice and text coach Gigi Buffington. Dramaturgy and text consultants Michael Sexton and Ayanna Thompson.
Cast: Kit Connor, Rachel Zegler, Gabby Beans, Tommy Dorfman, Solá Fáádììran, Taheen Modak, Gían Péérez, Daniel Bravo Hernáández, Jasai Chase-Owens, and Nihar Duvvuri.
Theater: Circle in the Square
Tickets: Telecharge.com


Rachel Zegler
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Director Sam Gold and William Shakespeare. Always expect the unexpected when these two pair up. For instance, when Gold, in his most avant-garde mode, tackled Hamlet in 2017 and, five years later, Macbeth, he ventured so far outside the box, it seemed as though Shakespeare had gotten lost in the shuffle. On the other hand, the 2016 Othello, which Gold placed within a military setting, was thrilling from start to end, both original in its concept and true to the Bard. And now, happily falling into the original-and-true category, is Gold's take on Romeo and Juliet, retitled Romeo + Juliet, which opened tonight at the Circle in the Square. It is, in a word, terrific.

Do understand that if you insist on having your Shakespeare experience straight-up, this probably is not for you. But for everyone else, this production, under Gold's guidance, does a wonderful job of reconceptualizing the story of the star-crossed lovers for Gen Z audiences, as well as for the rest of us who are young at heart. And it is as exciting and engaging as the original West Side Story was for the baby boomer generation.

The connection with West Side Story is a strong one. Costume designer Enver Chakartash dresses the actors in a contemporary version of the Jets' streetwear look (updated to jeans, hoodies, T-shirts). And the thrillingly staged fight scenes (credit movement director/choreographer Sonya Tayeh and "violence" coordinator Drew Leary) bring to mind the rumble between the Sharks and the Jets. Leary, by the way, served as fight director for the 2020 Broadway production of West Side Story. And, last but far from least, our Juliet for Romeo + Juliet is actress and singer Rachel Zegler, who played MarĂ­a in the 2021 film version of West Side Story.


Tommy Dorfman and Kit Connor
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Zegler is paired here with Kit Connor, best known for his role as Nick in the popular Netflix series "Heartstopper." Individually and together, they make an attractive Romeo and Juliet. Connor's Romeo is a realistically genial yet impulsive teenager who often acts without thinking. Zegler gives us a Juliet who has had a sheltered upbringing but who is smart enough to plan ahead, especially when the going gets rough. Both actors are in their early 20s, both are popular with young audiences, and their youthful appearance enhances the credibility of their performances here.

The rest of the cast members generally play multiple roles, changing characters, articles of clothing, and genders in the blink of an eye. Tommy Dorfman is outstanding as the Nurse and as Tybalt, with other standouts being Gabby Beans as Mercutio and the Friar, and Sola Fadiran who plays both Lord and Lady Capulet. But, really, the entire company works as a tight-knit ensemble.

As exciting as the performances are, the staging itself is equally full of surprises. The bulk of the production is played in true theater-in-the-round fashion, with the seating surrounding a circular stage. That stage itself has a few tricks up its sleeves (the creative design is by dots), which you can discover for yourself, while some of the action takes place beyond and above the main performance area. Jack Antonoff, an 11-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician, has provided the music for the production, and it, too, gets to take center stage at times. The wonder is, it all comes together smoothly and organically. And, yes, all the while staying true to Shakespeare and his language (with some edits by Gold to keep the flow going).

Romeo and Juliet has always been seen as the best and most-relatable entry level Shakespeare play to share with teenage students. And for many years, English teachers have paired it with West Side Story to make it even more accessible. But with this production of Romeo + Juliet, there is no need to pair it with anything else. Sam Gold has made it an exciting and thoroughly engaging experience for audiences of all ages.