The allure of seeing stars like Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal on Broadway is undeniable, but is the ticket too expensive? Denzel speaks out as Brian Cox and Audra McDonald weigh in.
- Apr 26, 2025
AceShowbiz - As theatre lovers flock to the latest Broadway production of "Othello, featuring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, ticket prices have become a hot topic of discussion. While demand for the show is immense, ticket pricing upwards of $900 is drawing criticism.
Brian Cox, known for his role in "Succession", criticized the hefty costs during a London theatre talk. "It's not right," Cox stated, "There's amazing shows and hits, but there's too much money stuff involved in American theatre where apparently, you're paying $1,000 a night to see Othello."
The actor who's currently starring in the West End play "The Score" continued, "A friend of mine said they couldn't believe it, and they paid a f******... excuse me, that's wrong. That balance is wrong because it puts the theatre in a whole different place."
Fellow actress Audra McDonald shared a similar sentiment when speaking with Gyllenhaal for a one-on-one conversation with Variety. McDonald, starring in her own Broadway play "Gypsy" as Mama Rose, lamented, "Your show opened after mine, so I’m desperate to see it. Also I can't afford to come to your show."
Denzel Washington commented on the issue during the Entertainment Community Fund Gala on April 21. "[They're selling] as low as $50. People don't talk about that," he argued in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, likely referring to the $49 student rush tickets.
Despite the astronomical prices for some seats, Washington downplayed comparisons to music superstars like Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z, stating, "I haven't quite felt like that. I can't sing or rap."
In contrast, "Othello" director Kenny Leon did not shy away from comparing the Broadway spectacle to high-profile events like a Los Angeles Lakers game or a Beyonce concert. In his interview with the Daily Mail, Leon emphasized the show's broad appeal, noting audience attendance from "all economic ranges" and availability of student tickets.
"So to me, with a commercial industry, people are paying what they think it's worth," he remarked. Citing an instance of one man willing to pay $921 for his ticket, Leon underscored the perceived value and unique experience of the show.
