Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad in 'Romeo and Juliet': A first look

There may be a plague on both their houses, but by the look of this exclusive new pic, Broadway’s newest Romeo and Juliet look primed to set those houses ablaze.

This sexy teaser featuring the two leads in the upcoming revival of Romeo and Juliet promises to be no stiff-upper-lip affair, with The Lord of the Rings star Orlando Bloom and two-time Tony nominee Condola Rashad (Stick Fly, The Trip to Bountiful) essaying the ultimate in star-crossed lovers, with a bold, interracial take on the classic tale in the first Broadway production of the romantic tragedy in 36 years.

In my recent chat with star Rashad, she stated that purists need not be afraid — “We’re using all the classical text, but it’s not necessarily in a classical setting,” Rashad says.

“The setting is still kind of being talked about, but it is contemporary. Not jeans-and-shorts contemporary, but more of an extraction.” And has she been getting on with her new U.K. stage squeeze? “We went to see the marquee together [earlier this week] … to look at it and accept our lives and realize this is happening!” she added with a laugh. If this pic is any indication, we think this bud of love may prove a beauteous flower.

Romeo and Juliet begins previews at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on August 24, with an opening night scheduled for September 19. Tickets and additional information is available on the show’s official website.