Broadway is buzzing folks and it's all about one show: Othello starring Hollywood heavyweights Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. This isn't your average play it's a star-powered theatrical event that's got everyone talking and trying to snag a seat. Let's dive into why this production is such a big deal.
A-List Alert: Hollywood Royalty and Even a President Checked Out Othello's Opening Night
The opening night of Othello at the Barrymore Theatre was like the celebrity event of the season . Seriously if you were anyone in the entertainment world it seemed like you were there. We are talking serious star power in the audience.
Former President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden made it a date night at the theater. Anna Wintour was spotted maybe even smiling a little. And get this Colman Domingo was her date! Talk about a power duo.
But wait there's more. HBO's favorite actresses Cynthia Nixon Nicole Ari Parker and Christine Baranski were all in attendance. Spike Lee Angela Bassett and Samuel L. Jackson showed up to support Denzel. Even Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss was there because guess what? She's one of the producers! Who knew reality TV stars were producing Shakespeare on Broadway?
The guest list was basically a who's who of famous faces. Martha Stewart Jamie Lee Curtis Nicole Scherzinger Questlove and Katie Holmes all made appearances. It was that kind of night. New York hasn't seen this much buzz since maybe the Planet Hollywood re-re-opening. It's clear Othello is the hottest ticket in town.
Box Office Bonanza: Othello Breaks Broadway Records Before It Even Officially Opens!
And it's not just hype the numbers are backing it up. This production of Othello is already making history. Even in previews before opening night it smashed the record for the highest-grossing play in Broadway history. We are talking a whopping $2.8 million in just eight preview performances. That beat out even Harry Potter and the Cursed Child which is saying something.
Denzel and Jake talked about the play's success and their excitement. Denzel said he hasn't been this excited about a project in decades. He first played Othello way back in college and now revisiting the role at 70 is a whole different experience. He feels he understands the character and the play's themes much more deeply now especially the bond between Othello and Iago.
Jake Gyllenhaal is also thrilled. He said he feels like he has been working his whole career for this moment. Both stars are clearly bringing their A-game and audiences are responding in a big way.
Is it Any Good Though? Critics are Mixed on this Star-Studded Othello
Okay so it's popular and star-filled but is the play actually good? Well critics are having some mixed reactions to Kenny Leon's production. One review called it "passionless" and "baffling" saying it lacks a clear point of view. The reviewer felt like even Denzel Washington wasn't fully invested in the role at least on the night they saw it.
They pointed out that Washington seems "miles away" and isn't showing the emotional depth you might expect from Othello. They felt like he was underplaying the character's journey from noble leader to jealous rage. The review also mentioned that Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago is "sturdy enough" but doesn't quite capture the character's true villainy or complexity. Basically some critics feel the star power is overshadowing the actual play.
However it's worth remembering theater is subjective and many audience members are clearly loving it given those box office numbers. Maybe it is more about seeing these famous actors tackle Shakespeare live on stage than a groundbreaking new interpretation of Othello.
Behind the Scenes: Producer Brian Anthony Moreland on Casting and Bringing Othello to Broadway
Producer Brian Anthony Moreland shared some insights into how this production came together. He had worked with Denzel before when his son John David Washington was in The Piano Lesson. They started talking about doing a project together and Othello came up early on.
Moreland revealed that Connie Nielsen and Paul Mescal actually encouraged Denzel to take on Othello when they were all on the set of Gladiator II . Once Denzel was on board Moreland reached out to director Kenny Leon who had worked with Washington before. Then they got Jake Gyllenhaal to sign on as Iago and things really took off.
Moreland praised both Denzel and Jake saying Jake has the courage to be both "hard and soft" which is perfect for Iago. He feels Denzel's "wisdom experience and passion" make him ideal for Othello. Moreland hopes audiences will see the fragility of love and what happens when it's misused and abused and that they will realize how ahead of his time Shakespeare was.
Want to See Othello? Ticket Tips and Pricing Options
So you want to see Denzel and Jake in Othello? Join the club! Tickets are definitely in demand. But producer Brian Anthony Moreland shared some tips for getting tickets even if you are on a budget:
- Digital Lottery: They have a digital lottery for $49 tickets. Worth a shot!
- Student Rush: If you are a student check for $49 student rush tickets at the box office with a valid student ID.
- Check 96 Hours Before: Keep an eye on ticket availability 96 hours before a performance. Seats sometimes get released closer to showtime.
It might take some effort but seeing this star-studded production could be worth it especially if you can snag a deal.
Othello on Broadway: Star Power Meets Shakespearean Tragedy
Whether you are going for the celebrity sightings the record-breaking hype or to see Shakespeare brought to life by top actors Othello on Broadway is definitely making a mark. It's a chance to see Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal on stage in a classic play and experience the energy of live theater. If you can get a ticket get ready for a night of drama jealousy and maybe a few celebrity sightings too.