"A powerful and emotionally raw production of Othello.
Washington delivered a performance that was quiet but commanding — holding back just enough to let the tension build naturally. His restraint made his strength feel even more grounded. Jake, on the other hand, was a force — intense, layered, and a relentless presence that drove the play forward.
The contemporary setting brought a fresh edge to the story, making it feel urgent and relevant. And the minimalist design? Subtle but effective — it let the performances breathe and kept the focus where it mattered.
A strong, resonant take on a classic.
5 stars.
"
...
Read more
Jane M from East Aurora on May 25, 2025
Excellent and great actors!
"I liked the stage, the sound, and the actors presentation. Also the story is still relevant today."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on May 21, 2025
Denzel isn’t the only great thing about this show!
"The appearance of Washington and Gyllenhal are sure to draw a crowd, but there’s more to see in the show than excellent celebrity performances! The entire cast does an excellent job telling the tale and engaging audiences throughout. Be prepared to come early and read the playbill during intermission instead of scrolling on your phone. Admission and phone policies are no joke. An excellent opportunity to be fully present and enjoy the show! "
...
Read more
Erin B from Columbus on May 20, 2025
Denzel Washington is larger than life
"Denzel Washington was outstanding, and Jake Gyllenhaal delivered an exceptional performance. I believe they honored Shakespeare’s play with depth and nuance, interpreting their lines with clarity and bringing the story to life in a way that still feels powerfully relevant today."
...
Read more
Jessica O from Pasig City on May 19, 2025
Denzel and Jake were awesome !!!
"Flew in from Chicago just to see the show ( post my chemo shot )- and it was worthwhile 🤗it exceeded my expectations and the slight change to connect it with today was a masterpiece .
Expected Denzel to light up the stage- which he did but Jake was spectacular too !"
...
Read more
Jyoti G from Oak Brook on May 9, 2025
A new take with a skilled cast
"The modernization of the Play was an interesting take. I'm not sure if that made it a step up or just a fresh version. Mr Washington is incredible to see in action on the stage. A master, if you will. Mr Gyllenhaal, too, presented a skilled presentation of Iago. These two pair well together, for sure. Ms Osborne rounded The threesome off with a spectacular performance. The entire cast was well suited to the production and the event was truly great!"
...
Read more
Mandy Z from Calgary on May 9, 2025
Denzel and Jake shine!
"The acting was phenomenal. Shakespeare theater is a deep thinking show!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Apr 25, 2025
Nothing short of spectacular !!!!
"Superb performance by all of the actors. Of course Denzel is Denzel. But Jake Gyllenhaal steals the show, with his raw emotion and commanding presence. SEE OTHELLO if you can, you will not disappointed."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Apr 22, 2025
Well worth the plane ticket from Houston
"The show exceeded expectations. The stars were just that and the supporting cast also showed their worth. Excellent and very well put together. #Salute"
...
Read more
LaRon J from Kingwood on Apr 21, 2025
Best Broadway Performance Ever!!!!
"I have been to many Broadway shows over the years. Othello was the BEST! Denzel is such a powerful actor. You feel like you are a part of the play. He made it seem so real. His voice and his acting is truly one of a kind! This is a performance we will never forget! "
...
Read more
Roxanne J from Eunice on Apr 21, 2025
Wonderful experience - I love the Barrymore Theater
"Gorgeous theater. We were the second row from the back (row P) and had an amazing view of the play. The seats are offset and the people in front of us were positioned perfectly so we could see everything. Denzel was great but Jake Gyllenhall shines the brightest. I'm not an expert in Shakespeare, but it was a truly memorable show."
...
Read more
Darren V from Ballston Lake on Apr 17, 2025
Othello Revisited
"I was thrilled to see Othello, which I had studied in high school a long time ago, particularly as it featured a star studded cast. Denzel Washington did a good job as the angst filled general, torn apart by his belief in his wife's indiscretions. Jake Gyllenhaal brought to life the creepy, hatred filled Iago, consumed by revenge. I thought the ladies stole the show, with the cheery, confident innocence of Desdemona and the sassy Emilia, who knew her husband only too well, yet not well enough to prevent the tragedy. The transition of the war to modern day USA, complete with camouflage uniforms and modern insignia, brought home the universality of Shakespeare's themes that seem to magically transcend time and country. The bar scene in which Iago drunkens Cassio was particularly entertaining and fluid in its orchestration. It was an enjoyable performance of Shakespeare and I would definitely recommend it. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Apr 4, 2025
A great contemporary twist
"Great staging and great choices made by the cast to both convey the moral of the story and make it friendly to unfamiliar ears. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Apr 4, 2025
Worth the price of admission!!
"The play was a great modern day version of Shakespeare ‘s Othello…The cast was exceptional and made the audience follow along with every scene…Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal have great chemistry…There were times that I was seating at the edge of my seat…Would highly recommend…
"
...
Read more
Alfred G from Logan Township on Mar 27, 2025
Absolutely fantastic!
"Watching these two legends on stage is a rare opportunity "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Mar 24, 2025
Definitely worthwhile
"I enjoyed the show very much. I have seen other Othellos and this was definitely a must see. Denzel Washington was wonderful. Jake as Iago was brilliant and Desdemona was perfect. I liked the set as well. The flexibility of the set to adapt to scenes was very good. thanks"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Mar 17, 2025
Denzel in Anything
"Even if you are not a Shakespeare afficionado seeing Denzel live is a showstopper. Good to know general storyline before you come. Easily followed if you do. Worth the very hefty price tag that scalpers command."
...
Read more
george b from Fort Lauderdale on Mar 16, 2025
Do not miss this!!
"An amazing performance. Outstanding! Breathtaking. We came from UK and this has blown our minds. Broadway all the way!! "
...
Read more
Samantha H from Huddersfield on Mar 13, 2025
BRAVO BRAVA👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
"As a Theatre-Drama Educator- Shakespeare's Othello has been my go to for introducing Literary Theory to my high school thespians-giving them insights and broad perspectives on the Bard's work.
I have experienced Othello via many mediums and many 'Othellos' and
this adaptation was FULL CIRCLE with Denzel as Othello !!!
The entire production was OUTSTANDING❣️I did not get to meet Denzel- understandably (a lively excited crowd of us waited at the stage door) it was an unforgettable moment!
I did meet the Director who was so personable and kind.😍
FYI--the cigarettes the antagonist smoked in the first act were REAL-- as I was very close to the stage- and this was irritating - uncomfortable for me- however- there was no more smoking throughout the rest of the absolutely exceptional play!! A MUST SEE!!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🤗"
...
Read more
Sandra F from Houston on Mar 4, 2025
Truly amazing!
"Impecable music. Small theatre. Amazing watching Denzel and Jake perform live. "
...
Read more
Daniel C from San Pedro on Feb 28, 2025
It was a brilliant performance!
"I actually thought it was an up to date adaptation of Othello meaning I wasn’t expecting “ Old English” However it wouldn’t be the same! I struggled during opening and then it clicked! It was wonderful and the actors were brilliant!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Feb 26, 2025
Great but modern day costumes threw me off a bit
"Great performances across the board. The bare stage and modern day costumes threw me off a bit. It's worth going to see if you love Shakespeare and more importantly the brilliant Denzel Washington."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 5, 2025
Professionals at their best.
"Shakespeare is not always the easiest text to follow, but the performances of these consummate professionals delivered with clarity and passion! Though Gyllenhaal played the villain, you. could see the respect and admiration he and Washington have for each other and their craft. Wonderful!"
...
Read more
Karen M from Emmaus on Jun 2, 2025
Denzel on stage is worth the money
"We spent a week in New York City, entirely built upon seeing Denzel Washington live on a Broadway stage. It was worth it.
Yes, the language of Shakespeare can be challenging. Sometimes the scenes were a bit hard to follow. I prepped for "Othello" by reading the entire playscript and commentaries about the 400-year-old play. Like an skilled actor, Denzel used tone of voice, gestures and body language to communicate beyond the words. The actors playing Desdemona and Cassio were especially good.
And it was fun to see Denzel exit the stage with a fist pump, indicating he believed the cast had nailed it.
It was a bit jarring to see the camo gear instead of ancient warrior wear, and the costuming did not work. Better to go with the original.
I can understand why the play was not nominated for any Tony Awards. But I would pay to see it again, and Denzel did not disappoint."
...
Read more
David W from Indianapolis on May 19, 2025
Denzel plays a broken man.
"Denzel and Jake are great!! The director may have been out of his league in directing Shakespeare. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on May 15, 2025
Viewing 1-25 of 29
About
Othello
Tony® & Academy Award® winner Denzel Washington stars as Othello, the noble Moor of Venice and commanding warrior-general. Opposite him, Tony & Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal portrays Iago, the ambitious lieutenant and masterful manipulator.
Spurned for promotion, Iago’s relentless quest for vengeance against Othello and his wife, Desdemona (portrayed by Molly Osborne), plunges them into a shocking web of deception and betrayal.
