Broadway
Denzel Washington is starring in the first Broadway production of ‘Othello’ in more than four decades.
The stars were out on Sunday for the opening night of Othello on Broadway. Jennifer Lopez, Kandi Burruss, and Katie Holmes were among the A-listers who converged on the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on March 23 to see two-time Oscar-winner Denzel Washington take the stage in the classic Shakespeare tale of betrayal and revenge.
Washington plays the title character in the high-profile revival, alongside Jake Gyllenhaal as his rival Iago. Molly Osbourne plays Desedmona. Though the play just opened, it’s already a bona fide hit, taking in $2.8 million in just one week – more than any other Broadway play in history.
Jennifer Lopez was among the celebrities eager to get the chance to see Washington sink his teeth into Othello. She attended the premiere with her child, Emme Muñiz.
Kandi Burruss made a statement on the red carpet with her dramatic black mermaid gown. The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum is one of Othello’s producers.
Burruss wasn’t the only person serving looks on Sunday. Angela Bassett, Rosie Perez, Ariana DeBose, and Katie Holmes all showed off their style chops.
The list of notable audience members also included former president Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, in their first public appearance since he left the White House. “Riveting…brilliant…BRAVO!” the former first lady raved on her Instagram Story.
In an interview with CBS News’ Sunday Morning, Washington spoke about starring in the first Broadway production of Othello in more than 40 years. The last time it was staged, James Earl Jones took on the title role. Washington – who first tackled the iconic character in a college production at Fordham University – hopes he can fill those shoes.
“James Earl Jones was my northern star when I was in college,” said Washington. “He was who I wanted to be. I didn’t get to see his Othello, but I know it wasn’t as good as my 22-year-old interpretation! But you know, it’s my turn.”
For the acclaimed actor, playing Othello truly is the role of a lifetime.
“It’s the most excited I’ve been this century,” he said. “Seriously. I haven’t been this excited about anything I’ve done as I am about this.”
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