AceShowbiz - "Snow White" star Rachel Zegler and "Heartstopper" actor Kit Connor are making their Broadway debuts in a new production of William Shakespeare's "Romeo + Juliet".

On August 12, the cast and creatives gathered in New York City for their first day of rehearsals. Photos released on Wednesday, August 21 show Zegler, 23, and Connor, 20, smiling and bonding with their fellow actors, including Grammy Award-winner Jack Antonoff, who is penning original music for the show.

Performances begin September 26 at the Circle in the Square Theatre, with an official opening night on October 24. The show is scheduled for a limited 16-week engagement.

The new production explores the classic tragedy of two star-crossed lovers from feuding families in a modern context. "The youth are f**ked," the logline reads, highlighting the political and generational themes that resonate today.

Zegler and Connor expressed excitement and nerves about taking on these iconic roles. Zegler said, "I can't believe this is my life," while Connor admitted, "I'm bloody nervous."

Joining the lead actors are Gabby Beans, Tommy Dorfman, Nihar Duvvuri, Sola Fadiran, Daniel Bravo Hernandez, Taheen Modak, Jasai Chase Owens and Gian Perez.

Despite the joyous atmosphere at rehearsals, the tragedy of "Romeo + Juliet" looms. Zegler hopes the play's divisiveness will provoke introspection and inspire action. "We hold a mirror up to the world," she said, "and what they do based on that examination is up to them."