Denzel Washington Reacts to Those Ticket Prices for “Othello” on Broadway: ‘God Has Blessed Me with a Great Ability’

Denzel Washington Expresses Thoughts on High Priced Tickets for Othello on Broadway

Renowned actor Denzel Washington has shared his perspective on the soaring ticket prices for the Broadway production of Othello, where he stars alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. The demand for tickets has been monumental, with some orchestra seats commanding prices upwards of $900 on the show’s official website.

Washington, who portrayed the titular character Othello, acknowledged the price discrepancies, mentioning that tickets were also available for as low as $50, a fact that often goes unnoticed. At the Entertainment Community Fund Gala, the 70-year-old actor expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response from audiences and the opportunity to work alongside Gyllenhaal.

When asked if the show’s popularity made him feel like a music industry power couple like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Washington humbly chuckled and remarked on his lack of singing or rapping skills. Despite this, he acknowledged feeling immensely blessed and appreciative of the positive reception and chance to leverage his celebrity status for charitable purposes.

Reflecting on his career and achievements, Washington highlighted his belief in giving back to others during the latter phase of his life. He emphasised that being of service and supporting meaningful causes were integral aspects of his current focus and direction.

Kenny Leon, the director of Othello, also weighed in on the ticket pricing issue, likening the experience of watching the show to attending a high-profile sports event or a sold-out concert by a music superstar like Beyoncé. Leon stressed that people were willing to pay the prices they deemed appropriate for such a valued theatrical experience.

Leon shared a heartening anecdote about a patron who willingly paid $921 for a ticket and expressed no desire for a refund, illustrating the profound impact the production had on its diverse audience members. He commended the inclusive nature of the audience and the box office success, underscoring the significance of the performances on stage.

Moreover, Leon highlighted the diverse audience demographics, including individuals from various economic backgrounds, along with offering student tickets and hosting daily digital lotteries for those facing financial constraints. The current staging of Othello, featuring Washington and Gyllenhaal, marks the first Broadway presentation of the play in over four decades since the 1982 revival starring James Earl Jones, Christopher Plummer, and Dianne Wiest.

The limited 15-week engagement kicked off on Sunday, March 23, and is set to run until Sunday, June 8. Tickets for Othello are now available for purchase, catering to a wide range of theatre enthusiasts eager to witness this iconic production firsthand.

Washington’s and Leon’s reflections shed light on the multifaceted dynamics of ticket pricing, audience engagement, and the enduring impact of live theatre experiences. As the Broadway community continues to navigate the evolving landscape of performing arts, the success of productions like Othello serves as a testament to the enduring allure and cultural significance of live theatre.