Kandi Burruss Expresses Disappointment Over ‘Othello’ Revival’s Tony Awards Snub
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Kandi-Burruss--9_10202024-708dcc37703f403c8631782032a71951.jpg)
Kandi Burruss, renowned singer, songwriter, and producer, has recently shared her feelings of disappointment regarding Broadway’s ‘Othello’ revival not receiving any nominations for the 2025 Tony Awards. The production, co-produced by Burruss and her husband Todd Tucker, featured an all-star cast including Denzel Washington in the title role of Othello and Jake Gyllenhaal as the cunning Iago.
Despite the snub from the prestigious awards, ‘Othello’ made a significant impact on Broadway, setting records by grossing $2.8 million in just one week of previews. Burruss took to Instagram to express her mixed emotions, stating, “Of course I’m disappointed, but I’m still beyond proud to be part of this phenomenal production.”
Directed by Kenny Leon, the revival of William Shakespeare’s tragic play received critical acclaim for its powerful performances. Burruss praised Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal for delivering unforgettable acting on stage, acknowledging their dedication to their roles.
In a positive and forward-looking tone, Burruss emphasised that she is already focusing on future projects and not letting this setback deter her from pursuing her dreams. She shared a personal anecdote about co-writing a song for Whitney Houston, encouraging others to persevere in the face of rejection.
Amidst its success, ‘Othello’ faced criticism for its high ticket prices, with some seats selling for over $900. However, director Kenny Leon defended the pricing, likening the experience of watching the play to attending a major sporting event or concert, where audience members are willing to pay for the value they perceive.
The Tony Awards nominees for best revival of a play in 2025 include titles like Romeo + Juliet, Our Town, Yellow Face, and Eureka Day. The awards ceremony, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, is scheduled to be broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+ on June 8, celebrating the best of Broadway across various categories.
As Burruss and her team reflect on the journey of ‘Othello’ and its impact on the theatre community, they remain committed to creating compelling and thought-provoking productions for audiences to enjoy. Despite the disappointment of not receiving a Tony nomination, the legacy of ‘Othello’ will endure as a testament to the power of storytelling in the world of theatre.