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Broadway's 'Othello' Faces Scrutiny Over Record Ticket Prices

As Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal's revival breaks box-office records, industry veterans criticize affordability issues for theatergoers.

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Overview

  • The Broadway revival of 'Othello,' starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, continues its record-breaking run through June 8 at the Barrymore Theatre.
  • Ticket prices range from $49 for student rush seats to nearly $1,000 for premium options, fueling ongoing debates about accessibility and equity in theater.
  • Audra McDonald and Brian Cox have publicly criticized the high ticket costs, with McDonald admitting she cannot afford to attend and Cox calling the pricing 'not right.'
  • Denzel Washington and director Kenny Leon defended the pricing structure, highlighting discount initiatives and comparing demand to major entertainment events like concerts and sports games.
  • The production, the first Broadway staging of 'Othello' in over 40 years, has drawn diverse audiences despite mixed critical reception and concerns over commercialization.