Ariana DeBose Will Host The Tony Awards Again This Year

Is the new Romeo + Juliet a musical?

Yes, Rachel Zegler's new Romeo + Juliet is a musical! Taylor Swift's longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff is writing the music, while Sonya Tayeh (who's worked on Broadway shows like Moulin Rouge! The Musical!and The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window) will choreograph.

When is Romeo + Juliet opening?

You can watch Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor in this new Broadway musical this fall. You can sign up for early access to tickets (which will open in May 2024) here.

What is Romeo + Juliet about?

Romeo + Juliet follows two star-crossed lovers from totally different families who defy the odds to be together (which sounds similar to Lucy Gray Baird and Coriolanus Snow if you ask me). While it's a tale as old as time, this iteration promises to feel brand new.

"The youth are f*cked," the official synopsis reads. "Left to their own devices in their parents’ world of violent ends, an impulsive pair of star-crossed lovers hurtle towards their inescapable fate. The intoxicating high of passion quickly descends into a brutal chaos that can only end one way."

This new take on Romeo and Juliet's story looks like it will be the kind of social commentary that will stick in your brain and leave you in tears at the same time, and TBH, I can't wait.

Where else can I watch Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor?

In addition to Romeo + Juliet and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, you can watch Rachel Zegler in West Side Story and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. She's also starring as Snow White in the live-action Disney movie!

Kit Connor stars as Nick in Heartstopper, and also has a role in War & Peace, His Dark Materials, and this year's fall movieThe Wild Robot alongside Pedro Pascal, Lupita Nyong'o, Stephanie Hsu, and Catherine O'Hara.

B+C: It's such a unique profession to be an astronaut, right? and to convey that so well, so convincingly, like, how did you train for this kind of role? And I'm also really curious, does your background as a dancer, did that help you at all in any way?

Ariana DeBose: Well, I mean, when this project came to me after I had made West side story, I had made the prom and I was in the process of making shma G do so when this script came to me, I was so enthralled by what Nick Schafer had done.

And I loved that it was so different from anything that I knew the world was going to see me do at that point.

And I thought it would be a great challenge to like, really dig in and, and try and figure out what is that, who is that person who functions so much from this science based fact driven, like kind of black and white way of thinking because it's very not me.

B+C: I don't think that she's so black and white though.

Ariana DeBose: I mean, I feel like she becomes less, I think she becomes less the way when I first approached the work, I feel like she knew what she was doing and that's what it was.

And da da, da da and the circumstances she finds herself in, I won't necessarily say it softens her, but it definitely like broadens her horizons I think is a person that made made decisions that she never thought she would have to make — as a result of the moment she found her, she found herself in if that makes sense.

But the one thing that I thought would be helpful and it turned out it was helpful in the making of this film was my dance background.

I think when I said yes, I had this idea, they were just gonna put me in a zero gravity tank and then shoot that.

So we — myself and my colleagues — we trained for about two weeks to be able to work in harnesses.

So we had, we all had harnesses on that were passing around our hips and then connected to two tethers and they were hooked up to a gantry system and we all had to learn to fly individually and together.

So it was, it took a great deal of time and some very specific choreography and a whole team of people behind the scenes to help us accomplish what you see as simulated zero gravity.

B+C: I feel like that two week training must have contributed to something I noticed pretty early on in the film. There was this really organic camaraderie and chemistry with this group. Can you tell me about how y'all worked to develop that?

Ariana DeBose: Well, we shot the movie during the pandemic, so in order to make the film at all, we followed copious safety protocols and then we also lived in the same in the same complex, right?

So, you know, there was sort of an inherent implied trust, but by showing up, we were going to take care of each other. And, and so in a way, I feel like art kind of imitated life. We, you know, these are six people, we come from very different walks of life. And we just had to become family very quickly.

This is also an indie film, so it's not like we took months to shoot this film — it maybe took six weeks, I think...something like that. So it was very fast and furious, and so I think when you realize you're on a time crunch, you know, really meet the other person where they're at.

B+C: I feel like maybe it was easier for you and John Gallagher Junior as two Broadway vets [to get along]. Did y'all ever swap any like Broadway stories on set in between takes? What was that like being the two Broadway people [on set]?

Ariana DeBose: You know, we didn't really swap war stories, but I feel like...you know, he did have his guitar with him, so he would play. Or if we were hanging out by the beach or something, sometimes he'd have his guitar with him and he'd play and sing or sometimes we'd like sing songs together every once in a while.

But we just literally kind of like hung out and palled around. Like I remember there was one night we were all hanging out with at Chris Messina's place and staring at the moon —I think it might have been a full moon — and just eating dark chocolate. You know, he [John] loves dark chocolate. You know, just like everybody sharing an adult beverage and talking about life and love and the pursuit of happiness.

​B+C: And I really do think that comes across in the film. So clearly, like even with your character, she is apprehensive and then quickly everyone makes her feel at home. And especially, I think Mika is a big part of that. Can you tell me about their, their relationship throughout the film?

Ariana DeBose: Well, Nika is played by, you know, the incredible, incredible actress Masha — my God. If you are not familiar with her work, get into it, I think she's a powerhouse.

But these two characters, you know, I think Nika is, you know, she's very confident she's been on the I.S.S., she knows what she's doing. And I think, you know — Masha herself is Russian and there's an implied confidence, and it can feel kind of aggressive, but it's really comes from this this very loving, compassionate place and they become friends.

Nika is a true friend and you get to see what love looks like through, through Doctor Foster's eyes, she gets to like watch love between characters. And then, you know, when shit really hits the fan, you know, these two women are kind of the ones trying to talk sense into the men folk.

There are different tactics used in extraordinary circumstances and I think these two women are really trying to hatch a plan that can, that can actually save lives. One is a bit more extreme than the other, but I think the women kind of are the heart of the piece.

B+C: Something that I noticed that was such a quick part of the film, but something that I found to be very impactful was that your character was queer...but in a way that was just so normalized — it wasn't this big to do. And I'm curious for you as, as both an actress and a queer woman in real life, what was that like for you?

Ariana DeBose: It's part of what I loved about the piece. I loved that, you know, her queerness was not a plot point. You know what I mean? Her queerness did not drive the plot forward. It just was a part of a part of her identity.

I hope we're moving towards the time where that's how we can actually function as a society where we are not as humans defined by our queerness or our sexuality.

Like I will sit here and tell you all day long: I am much more than like queer identity, I promise you that. So, you know, it might make me more interesting to some people. But she's [Dr. Foster] not a one trick pony.

B+C: She's literally an astronaut.

Ariana DeBose: Literally an astronaut. Like the queerness is not nearly as interesting as the science! Make it make sense, you know what I mean?

B+C: I'm very curious to know that after all of this, would you ever consider going to space yourself?

Ariana DeBose: Oh, no. Now that I've done the research, I would like to maintain my own romanticized idea of the cosmos. And now that it is very plain to me that the human body is actually not really meant to be up there, I will be staying here and focusing on saving the planet we live on.

Watch Our Full Interview With Ariana DeBose Here!

Meg Ryan

Meg Ryan looked incredible on the Met Gala red carpet in a black sequin gown with a sheer bodice.

Phoebe Dynevor in Custom Victoria Beckham

Bridgerton's OG Diamond of the Season traded jewels for lace and flowers.

Da'Vine Joy Randolph in Custom Gap

Da'Vine Joy Randolph proves that this year's denim and jean trends aren't going anywhere.

Camila Morrone in Chanel

Daisy Jones' Camila Morrone rocks an off-the-shoulder top and feathered skirt — and it's giving Pirate Queen in all the best ways.

Kendall Jenner in Archival Givenchy

Kendall Jenner's Met Gala red carpet look checks all her boxes: minimalist yet detailed, classy yet sexy.

Lana Del Rey in Alexander McQueen

If anyone were going to show up to the 2024 Met Gala dressed as a literal tree, of course it would be Lana Del Rey!

Eiza González

I didn't know I could love a Met Gala look this much. The petals, the snake necklace, the color palette. I can't get enough.

Karol G

Karol G in Lord of the Rings, when? I can't get enough of this Met Gala red carpet look.

Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga

Big Little Lies star Nicole Kidman stunned in a black and white dress that is totally giving old Hollywood glamour.

Naomi Campbell

Aqua was a huge part of the 2024 Met Gala and Naomi Campbell gave the trend some 1920s fun with a flapper-esque dress!

Rachel Zegler in Dior

Before taking her turn as Snow White, Rachel Zegler showed up to the Met Gala red carpet channeling Y2K Cinderella.

Kim Kardashian in Maison Margiela

Kim Kardashian knocked it out of the park with this natural meets material ensemble covered in silver flowers.

Venus Williams

Venus Williams' Met Gala red carpet look proves she knows how to score off the tennis court!

Sabrina Carpenter in Oscar de la Renta

Sabrina Carpenter's orchid-inspired gown is going to live in all our dreams tonight.

Sydney Sweeney in Miu Miu

Sydney Sweeneywas almost unrecognizable on the Met Gala red carpet in a blue and black ensemble that made her new jet black bob pop!

Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman was the belle of the ball in a gilded light blue dress and headband. It's giving both Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty!

Nicki Minaj in Marni

Nicki Minaj's interpretation of "The Garden of Time" was bold and vibrant — just like her.

Quannah Chasinghorse in Custom H&M

Quannah Chasinghorse's periwinkle is my favorite color of the night — and the shade is the color of Alaska's forget-me-nots. I'm obsessed.

Gabrielle Union in Michael Kors

This Gabrielle Union look confirms Mermaidcore is coming back this summer ;).

Barry Keoghan in Burberry

The first thing I thought of when I saw Barry Keoghan's Met Gala red carpet look was Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice. And I love that for him.

Gigi Hadid in Thom Browne

Gigi Hadid's approach to this year's Met Gala theme is classy, timeless, and summery. I love how the contrast between the fitted bodice and the voluminous train is emphasized by the skirt's overlay. Give me more!

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer took the Met Gala red carpet to a whole new level thanks to this metallic dress. The form fitted nature perfectly stands out against the strappy detail — and her hair jewels!

Cynthia Erivo in Thom Browne and Ariana Grande 

Wicked's leading ladies brought movie magic to the Met Gala red carpet — Ariana Grande's dress is bright and creamy with subtle rainbow detail, while Cynthia Erivo's pink flowers stand out against the dark fabric.

Brie Larson in Prada

Brie Larson's 2024 Met Gala dress might be in my top 3 looks of the night! The orange bodice and lavender overlay contrast each other in color, but the opaque vs. transparent fabrics are also contrasting — but thanks to experts at Prada, they're working together, not fighting.

Tyla in Balmain

Grammy winner Tyla took an unconventional approach to the Met Gala red carpet — instead of gardens, she went with Sands of Time. Genius! The sand beauty detail on her shoulder might just be my favorite.

Taylor Russell in Loewe

Taylor Russell's beautiful ensemble is giving tree nymph and Grecian goddess at the same time.

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel has set the tone for the summer — literally — in a feathered, bright pink gown and beachy waves.

Riley Keough in Chanel

Riley Keough is giving the garden a Gothic edge with black mesh and an eye-catching cut out. But the bright blue and pink flowers keep this Met Gala red carpet look from seeming too dark.

Elle Fanning in Balmain

We know from Disney's Sleeping Beauty that Elle Fanning is basically a princess, and this airy, shimmery dress is just further proof.

Zendaya in Maison Margiela

I KNEW Zendaya wouldn't disappoint after giving us slay after slay every year. This moody look is simultaneously giving Mrs. Peacock from Clue and Clara Bow from The Tortured Poets Department in the very best way. Could this look singlehandedly launch us back into a 1930s beauty phase for the fall?

Zendaya (again) in Archival John Galliano for Givenchy

Zendaya shocked us all by stepping out in a second look for the Met Gala red carpet. This one is just as moody as the first and features a colorful floral headpiece.

Josh O'Connor in Loewe

What Josh O'Connor's Met Gala red carpet look lacks in color, it more than makes up for in detail. The coattails! The shoes! I'm obsessed.

Mike Faist in Loewe

Mike Faist kept it simple and classy at the 2024 Met Gala, and decided to accessorize with a sparkly turnip.

Gwendoline Christie In Custom Maison Margiela

After her run in Game of Thrones, it's no surprise Gwendoline Christie can balance reality and fantasy with ease. I love the Queen of Hearts vibes she's got going on.

Emma Chamberlain in custom Jean Paul Gaultier

Emma Chamberlain is one of our reigning Met Gala queens and her moody look on the 2024 Met Gala red carpet is simultaneously giving Chamberlain Coffee, "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter, and a mythical storybook witch.

Ayo Edebiri

The Bear star Ayo Edebiri's garden gown and bright blush are the exact inspo I need for 2024.

Lea Michele in Rodarte

Lea Michele (and her baby bump!) made waves at the 2024 Met Gala — and not just because the Gleestar looks like a nymph! I love the cool effect of the blue satin, especially paired with colorful flowers.

Rebecca Ferguson in Thom Browne

I knew we'd be getting fairytales, but leave it to Dune 2's Rebecca Ferguson to take the Grimm’s approach — dark fabric, shimmery details, and ominous birds. Revered Mother is mothering!

Jennifer Lopez In Custom Schiaparelli

Jennifer Lopez' crystal dress absolutely reminds me of the grace of Swan Lake with some extra strength and edge to boot.

Sienna Miller, Chemena Kamali, Greta Gerwig, Emma Mackey and Zoe Saldana

The Barbie director went totally Oppenheimer on the Met Gala red carpet — and stepping out with Emma, Zoe, Sienna, and Chemena has me wondering if there's a new movie in the works?

Madelyn Cline in Tommy Hilfiger

Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline's Met Gala look is a beautiful, creamy take on modern fairytales, and I'm going to need her airy beauty look STAT.

Sarah Jessica Parker

And Just Like That...SJP has arrived! I love the boots, I love the lace embroidery detail, and I love the hat.