Denzel Washington Reacts to $900 “Othello” Tickets – Here’s What He Really Thinks
Denzel Washington recently addressed the high ticket prices for “Othello” on Broadway, acknowledging the large demand for seats — with some orchestra tickets going for as much as $900. However, he pointed out that the pricing is not all exorbitant.
Denzel Washington on “Othello” High Price Point
“[They’re selling] as low as $50. People don’t talk about that,” Washington explained to Entertainment Tonight during the Entertainment Community Fund Gala on April 21.
When asked if the show’s popularity made him feel like a superstar, similar to Beyoncé and Jay-Z, the 70-year-old actor laughed it off. “I haven’t quite felt like that,” he said, adding with a chuckle, “I can’t sing or rap.”
Washington, who plays “Othello” alongside Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago, shared his gratitude for the success of the production, humbly acknowledging his ongoing blessings. “I’ve been blessed beyond measure for a long time,” he reflected. “I’m not bragging, but I’ve been a part of sold-out shows before. God has blessed me with a great ability, and I’m humbled by the reaction and the response we’re getting. And I’m humbled by the opportunity to… use my celebrity to help others. That’s what it’s about.”
The actor further explained his mindset as he enters a new phase in his career. “I’m in the service business. You know, you learn the first part of your life, you earn the second part of your life, and you return in the third part of your life. I’m in the return phase of life. So I’m returning, I’m giving back to others…”
Washington’s comments follow a statement from Othello’s director, Kenny Leon, who recently spoke to the Daily Mail about the ticket prices. Leon compared the experience of attending the show, which also stars Gyllenhaal, to attending an LA Lakers game or a Beyoncé concert, highlighting the demand and value. “A guy showed up the other night and he said, ‘I paid $921 for this ticket and you know what? I don’t want a cent back. I want to figure out how to come back,’” Leon shared, expressing pride in the production’s success.
Leon also emphasized the diversity of the audience, noting that they cater to people from all economic backgrounds. “We have student tickets for the show and digital lotteries every day for people who can’t afford full-price seats.”
This “Othello” revival marks the first time the play has been on Broadway in over 40 years, with its last revival in 1982. The production opened on March 23 and will run through June 8. Tickets are now on sale.
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