Denzel on the High Ticket Prices

During the interview, the actor highlighted his gratitude for the opportunity to perform in this and other productions. “I’ve been blessed beyond measure for a long time. I’m not bragging, but I’ve been a part of sold-out shows before. God has blessed me with a great ability, and I’m humbled by the reaction and the response that we’re getting."

https://www.etonline.com/media/videos/denzel-washington-reacts-to-othello-ticket-sales-being-compared-to-beyonce-tickets

I read it in the Trump voice lol

"Yeah, Denzel. Gratitude to your team for making a few $49 student tickets available for each performance. “People don’t talk about that.” LOL. Is he freaking kidding? "

You do understand Broadway shows are a business, and the idea is to make money. They set prices to what the market will bear, it is called capitalism. There is nothing that says they have to set aside $49 student tickets to the show like all other shows. I truly doubt Denzel has anything to do with the pricing of the show. All he cares about is his salary requirements were met.

witchoftheeast2 said: "2. You stop taking anger out on actors (even if they do say things like this) and go to the source that causes this to happen- producers. Theaters. Etc. Yes, people are ignoring other ways to get inexpensive tickets. If you're out of town you can plan ahead with discount codes, TDF, BroadwayBox, etc. Don't blame actors."

Pretty sure the contracts for Jake and Denzel are a huge part of the reason ticket prices are so high. If they had said "we'll do this show for scale", they wouldn't need to charge $900 a ticket.

Now, to be clear, I'm not knocking them for commanding a higher salary and getting paid what they're worth. But yes, they are at least partially to blame for the high ticket prices.

To those here who are aware of contracts and pricing, do major stars like Clooney, Washington, Gyllenhaal, et al have the negotiating power to say they would perform for a lesser fee in exchange for specific requirements on lower ticket prices, whether that be for the entire run or for select performances?

And before this prompts immediate replies about scalpers, technologies exist to address this issue even if not perfectly yet.

SteveSanders said: "To those here who are aware of contracts and pricing, do major stars like Clooney, Washington, Gyllenhaal, et al have the negotiating power to say they would perform for a lesser fee in exchange for specific requirements on lower ticket prices, whether that be for the entire run or for select performances?

And before this prompts immediate replies about scalpers, technologies exist to address this issue even if not perfectly yet."

I mean, sure, the could say that…but what A List Star would? Based on major salaries from people like Nathan Lane & Matthew Broderick (who made $100k/week ultimately on The Producers), I’d imagine Denzel and Jake are either making close to or a solid healthy six figures a week and/or taking a portion of the box office. They are the reason ticket prices are so high, and salaries like these are still probably Pennie’s compared to their film fees.

MasterThespian 2 said: "C’mon, this is ‘murica. No one leaves a dollar on the table."

I've read lots of interviews with actors who do exactly that: alternating big bucks blockbuster movies with small salary indie flicks or off-Broadway plays.

Does everyone? Of course not. But some do.

I suggest everyone go re-read that ridiculous NYT interview from February. Spoiler alert, the subheading is “Has Finally Found His Purpose (It’s Not Acting)”.

Truly wild that someone is so proud to ignore any opportunity for introspection and yet sees their entire purpose on Earth as some sort of holy gift to the masses. Religious nuts are exhausting.

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "I suggest everyone go re-read that ridiculous NYT interview from February. Spoiler alert, the subheading is “Has Finally Found His Purpose (It’s Not Acting)”.

Truly wild that someone is so proud to ignore any opportunity for introspection and yet sees their entire purpose on Earth as some sort of holy gift to the masses. Religious nuts are exhausting."



The audio of the full interview is included with the article. Listening to it, it comes off differently. Washington was a bit more open and personable than the printed article suggests. With that said, I still haven't been crazy about some of his recent interviews. Here is a gift link to the article to listen to it...



https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/magazine/denzel-washington-interview.html?unlocked_article_code=1.B08.0aXk.dXlPBxYxmTiQ&smid=url-share

We live in a capitalist society. Very successful actors are paid very high prices. If they perform on BWAY- the charges for tickets will reflect that. End of story.

My god, this board is showing its true colors again, singling out Denzel as the sole reason for Othello high prices. We have Gyllenhaal whose temporary dressing room is so extravagant and expensive that it was featured in high end magazines. Who also stars in Othello, but is given a pass. We have GNGL play with Clooney breaking historical sales records and charging as much. We have Glengarry with 3 white A-list celebs whose producers didn't even bother providing affordable ticket option of any kind except that bs SRO. Yet out of all of them you keep keep picking on Denzel, foaming at your mouths that you can't get a cheap ticket for a sold out Othello, although it has lottery, digital rush and student rush. Many more cheap options than the other 2 blockbuster plays. I swear, some of your hoods are showing and you don't even realize it.