The hottest ticket on Broadway this season is Othello, a new rendition of Shakespeare’s classic starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. The show grossed $2.8m during its first week of previews, making it the most successful non-musical in a single week on Broadway.
However, despite the star power, Othello has been met with mixed reviews. Director Kenny Leon’s minimalist production is criticized for not reaching the level of transcendence demanded by its cost. The show relies heavily on the performances of its lead actors, but even their talents are not enough to elevate the production into greatness.
Denzel Washington brings his authority to the role of Othello, making the character feel both tragic and ill-fitting due to his age and chemistry with co-star Molly Osborne. Meanwhile, Jake Gyllenhaal shines as Iago, delivering a mesmerizing performance that makes him the highlight of the show.
However, the rest of the production is marred by muddled details and inconsistent delivery. The set design is bare, and the props are minimal, which adds to the overall sense of emptiness. Even Washington seems confused at times, struggling to convey his character’s emotions.
Ultimately, Othello falls short of being a truly great production despite its talented cast. While it’s consistently competent and spirited, it’s weighted down by expectation, making it difficult for audiences to overlook its flaws.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/mar/24/othello-review-denzel-washington-jake-gyllenhaal