Othello Show Poster

Othello Reviews

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal star in a new production of Shakespeare's classic.

4.5
Show Overview

critics reviews Critics’ Reviews (3)

A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.
Entertainment Weekly

"To see two of the world's finest theatre actors make a meal out of Othello and Iago. Too delicious to pass up!"

Entertainment Weekly

Dalton Ross

USA Today

"Jake Gyllenhaal mesmerizes in a career-best performance."

USA Today

Patrick Ryan

Hollywood Reporter

"Denzel Washington's magnetism is undimmable and undeniable."

Hollywood Reporter

David Rooney

customer reviews

Customer Reviews (190)

4.5
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
5 stars
73%
4 stars
15%
3 stars
5%
2 stars
4%
1 star
4%
Showing 2 star reviews. View all reviews
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Sometimes adapting history to current day is unessesary
"The acting was great and Jake G stole the show. I would have preferred if the adaptation would have either lightened up on the Shakespeare speak or keep it in original form and era."
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Frederick W from Huntersville on May 4, 2025
Iago was marvelous, Othello was a little too light for my taste
"I have felt a little inconsistency in the show. It might be the directing or Othello himself (Denzel Washington) who did not really fit in the show. A general of an army is after so many tours is more fearsome, more ‘heavy’ - it’s a tragedy not a comedy. Iago can not be mean enough if the Moor acts less serious."
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Béla V from Biatorbágy on May 2, 2025
Mediocre at Best!
"Hard pressed to find something that was exceptional or extraordinary."
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 30, 2025
Very odd.
"Jake nailed it. As an Iago fan he brought a depth to the part that made the show. As for the rest…. The set. Costumes. Casting. Denzel’s motivation. I just dont get it. Lost opportunity. "
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Emily A C from Cleveland on Apr 21, 2025
Denzel was strong
"I knew the story and of course it is intense. Denzel was strong but often hard to hear. Jake spoke so quickly it was hard to understand him and he was also often hard to hear. The actors who played Desdemona and Cassio were excellent. The set was too static. The second act was far better than the first."
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 20, 2025
If you are going to see the play rather than Hollywood this is not for you
"Disappointing and not for me. Having seen the Principles on stage prior in other performances I had anticipated a gripping interpretation of the roles ... this was not delivered. Actually googled post show to see if we had inadvertently purchased preview tickets. Iambic pentameter ran away from both leads at times offering a 'reciting/recalling' lines delivery. The bare bones set and odd 'costume' choices ... think Men's Warehouse special offers for the Senators .. did nothing to help. If direction is striping back set/production to concentrate focus on the performance of the leads then said performances need to be gripping and exceptional ... for me, these were not even close. Some casting choices leave one thinking that there was a basic lack of understanding of the 400 year old play. 'Interesting' choice to do away with the comic relief musicians/clown and instead attempt a 'humorous' interpretation to some of Iago and Othello's lines .. just awkward. Ultimately if you are hoping to see 2 powerhouse actors deliver a stellar performance as leads in Shakespeare this is not it. If you are going to see the 2 Hollywood stars up close in a theatre this is for you."
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 1, 2025
Disappointed
"Appreciated the set design and attempt at modernized costumes; however, the performance of the title character was disjointed and almost comical at times. The tragedy felt like a Shakespearean comedy rather than a tragedy. It simply doesn't work. Iago's portrayal was closer to the author's intent, but he, too, lacked pathos. The classic theme of good vs. evil simply limped along through the action of this performace. Very disappointing!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 20, 2025

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.

 

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