Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal's 'Othello' Shatters Broadway Records with $2.8 Million in One Week- co-Produced by a Black Woman
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Denzel Washington. Jake Gyllenhaal. Othello on Broadway
The latest Broadway revival of Shakespeare's Othello, starring Denzel Washington as Othello and Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago, has taken the theater world by storm, achieving unprecedented financial success. The production grossed an impressive $2.8 million during its first week of previews at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, setting a new record for a non-musical play on Broadway.
This groundbreaking production is co-produced by Kandi Burruss, the Grammy-winning artist and entrepreneur renowned for her role in "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." Burruss, along with her husband Todd Tucker, joined the producing team, marking another significant milestone in her expanding career in theater production.
In one interview, Kandace had explained how instrumental John David Washington, Denzel’s son, and actor from “The Piano” had been, in facilitating one of Hollywood’s leading black men into the production for Othello.
Directed by Kenny Leon and produced by Brian A. Moreland, this marks the first Broadway staging of Othello in over four decades. The star-studded premiere on March 23, 2025, attracted notable attendees, including Jennifer Lopez, Colman Domingo, Jamie Lee Curtis, President Joe Biden, and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Washington's family—wife Pauletta and their children Olivia, John David, and Katia—also showed their support at the event.
Despite its commercial triumph, the production has received mixed reviews from critics. Some have praised the dynamic performances of Washington and Gyllenhaal, noting their compelling chemistry. Others, however, have criticized the direction and set design, describing the overall experience as underwhelming.
Ticket prices have soared, with some seats selling for as much as $921, reflecting the high demand and star power associated with this production. As the play continues its limited 15-week engagement, audiences remain eager to witness this historic interpretation of Shakespeare's tragedy.
Kandi Burruss, a multi-talented entertainer, entrepreneur, and Tony Award-winning producer, continues to break barriers with her latest achievement as a producer of Broadway’s Othello. Known for her sharp business acumen and commitment to elevating Black voices in entertainment, Burruss has once again made history by backing this groundbreaking revival, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. Alongside her, powerhouse producer Sonia Friedman—renowned for numerous critically acclaimed theater productions—has helped bring this ambitious vision to life. This isn’t Burruss’ first foray into Broadway success; she, along with her producing partner Todd Tucker, was also behind the hit revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and Danielle Brooks, which became the highest-grossing play during its run. Their work on Othello further cements the importance of Black women in Broadway leadership, proving that representation both on and off stage is more vital than ever.
Kandi Burruss's involvement as a producer highlights the growing influence of Black women in theater production, bringing diverse perspectives and leadership to Broadway. Her transition from music and television to theater underscores her versatility and commitment to the arts.
As "Othello" continues its successful run, audiences and critics alike are praising the powerful performances and the fresh vision brought to this classic tragedy. The collaboration of such esteemed talents both on and off the stage promises to leave a lasting impact on the Broadway landscape.
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