OTHELLO Previews- Page 5

[algy]

Posted: 2/26/25 at 7:56am

I don't know that lines is always an age thing - more than a lack of prep/underestimating prep.

I saw Maggie Smith in her final theatre role - in A German Life, which was a solo show that was basically an extended monologue (just over 90 minutes, no interval) and she was mesmerising to the point that I didn't notice that the seat that she was in was moving forward and the rest of the set was receding as the show continued for quite a long time. She was in her early 80s. It was over a decade since she'd done theatre - but I would assume that she tried to work out beforehand if she could cope with the lines before she signed up for it and she clearly thought she could and she did.

Judi Dench turns up on Graham Norton and can just do you bits of Shakespeare off the top of her head - because she's done it all and she has a brain that remembers it, even if her eye sight means she can't read any more.

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 2/26/25 at 8:02am

n2nbaby said: "I’ve been on Broadway World a long time. I’ve lived through the P*tti M*rin disaster, a troll pretending to want to see Cats after it closed and getting angry at her daughter for it closing, among other things and this is by far in the top 3 most obnoxious threads I’ve ever seen."


Gee, that was fun and a half!

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 2/26/25 at 10:03am

So, last night was enjoyable. Respectful crowd, no issue with the phone pouches, although some were pissed off about it, whatever. 

It states it's set in October of 2028 and then there's no mention of it ever again, so that was pointless and odd. It creates confusion and anxiety considering what is happening. Intentional? Indeed. 

Minimal, boring sets. Like, I get it you want us to focus on the actors but for these prices, I wanted a little more. Lighting was excellent throughout. 

Everyone is perfectly cast, and Jake was on fire. Completely confident and his quiet anger works for this production. Denzel was off book last night, but he wasn't confident in his delivery for much of the show. As someone else said earlier, this will be better after it opens. I don't think it's his age, I just think Jake was better prepared for this.

The Modern costumes were unremarkable because this could have been any time period. The music choices were odd but worked for me. A lot of people with glazed over expressions who were just there to stare at the two celebrities was abundant. 

This Othello offers nothing new and, in my opinion, is just Kenny wanting to work with Denzel and be able to charge crazy prices. But, I'll let the rest of you decide that. 

Love that merch tho! 😍

[troynow]

Posted: 2/26/25 at 10:23am

Sutton Ross said: "So, last night was enjoyable. Respectful crowd, no issue with the phone pouches, although some were pissed off about it, whatever.

It states it's set in October of 2028 and then there's no mention of it ever again, so that was pointless and odd. It creates confusion and anxiety considering what is happening. Intentional? Indeed.

Minimal, boring sets. Like, I get it you want us to focus on the actors but for these prices, I wanted a little more. Lighting was excellent throughout.
 

I saw the show too, and I have to say, it’s absolutely stunning. The production is beautifully crafted, and while some elements—like the minimal set—may not be for everyone, I thought it kept the focus exactly where it should be: on the performances.

Yes, Denzel was off book, but I wouldn’t mistake that for him being unprepared. He’s a master of his craft, and even if some moments felt tentative last night, you could see the depth of his Othello emerging. There’s a quiet intensity in his performance that I think will only deepen as the run continues. It’s already compelling, and by the time this officially opens, I expect it will be nothing short of extraordinary.

I have to disagree about Jake vs. Denzel. Iago is meant to be menacing, manipulative, and always in control, while Othello is—just as he says himself—the fool who loved too well. The contrast between them is what makes the play so devastating. Denzel’s Othello is not just a powerful general, but a man undone by love and betrayal, and watching him unravel is heartbreaking. I thought the balance between the two performances was exactly right.

I’ll be seeing it again the day after opening, and I can’t wait. Yes, the ticket prices are high, but when will I ever get the chance to see these two share the stage again? This is a once-in-a-lifetime pairing, and it’s worth every cent to witness it.

This is my first time seeing Othello, and I think most audiences will love this production—if they can stop trying to tear it down before it even has a chance to take full flight.




Everyone is perfectly cast, and Jake was on fire. Completely confident and his quiet anger works for this production. Denzel was off book last night, but he wasn't confident in his delivery for much of the show. As someone else said earlier, this will be better after it opens. I don't think it's his age, I just think Jake was better prepared for this.

The Modern costumes were unremarkable because this could have been any time period. The music choices were odd but worked for me. A lot of people with glazed over expressions who were just there to stare at the two celebrities was abundant.

This Othello offers nothing new and, in my opinion, is just Kenny wanting to work with Denzel and be able to charge crazy prices. But, I'll let the rest of you decide that.

Love that merch tho! 😍"

 

[InTheBathroom1]

Posted: 2/26/25 at 11:00am

I saw this last night as well.  Picked up a last-minute ticket on Stubhub because the curiosity was killing me.  I felt like it was mostly fine.  I've never been a huge fan of Kenny Leon's work with a couple of exceptions (Purlie Victorious, Topdog/Underdog), and this is exactly what I would expect from him.  As others have commented, the "October 2028" is silly and unnecessary.  We can tell that this is a modern setting because of the costumes.  The set is fine if a little bit boring—some moving columns and a platform that rises.  All of it kind of looks like it was painted by your high school drama department.  Some cool moments with lighting.  The music was a bit confounding.

This was my first experience viewing Othello and I liked the play itself and that kept me engaged.  However, the production itself doesn’t really have a point of view, and it feels like everyone is kind of in a different play with a couple exceptions. 

Jake is truly a wonder here.  A clear point of view, characterization, and mastery of his text.  With Shakespeare, knowing the lines is only half the job, embodying and understanding the words is what makes good Shakespeare.  Which is why Denzel is such a disappointment here.  While he didn’t call line, he was clearly struggling finding the words and the words coming from his mouth had little specificity.  It was all just general and quiet and uncertain.  It was clear to me that the other actors were also more tentative in scenes with him.  If Denzel clicks into place, this could be very good, but right now, it’s just sort of fine.  Shout out to supporting players Kimber Elayne Sprawl, Andrew Burnap, Daniel Pearce, and Anthony Michael Lopez who all do great work here.

[TylerJia]

Posted: 2/26/25 at 11:07am

How was Molly Osborne? We're actually from the same small town (now city!) in the UK so very interested to see how she is received.

[MezzA101]

Posted: 2/28/25 at 5:44am

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal on Bringing a Powerhouse ‘Othello’ to Broadway | Vogue

 

https://www.vogue.com/article/denzel-washington-jake-gyllenhaal-othello-on-broadway-interview

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 2/28/25 at 8:21am

“Denzel was off book, but I wouldn’t mistake that for him being unprepared. He’s a master of his craft, and even if some moments felt tentative last night, you could see the depth of his Othello emerging.“

So…prices are how much, again? For what is a rehearsal for Washington and a full performance for the rest of the company?

[dshnookie]

Posted: 2/28/25 at 9:52am

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "“Denzel was off book, but I wouldn’t mistake that for him being unprepared. He’s a master of his craft, and even if some moments felt tentative last night, you could see the depth of his Othello emerging.“

So…prices are how much, again? For what isa rehearsal for Washington and a full performance for the rest of the company?"

Do you have a ticket for an upcoming preview performance?

Yes? Get a refund

No? Why do you care then?

We can always count on this board to beat a dead horse. First, the Yondr pouches. Then, Denzel calling for lines - and now that he isn’t, for trying to find his rhythm. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 2/28/25 at 11:04am

So…prices are how much, again? For what is a rehearsal for Washington and a full performance for the rest of the company?

Very expensive. Correct. 

 

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 2/28/25 at 12:13pm

dshnookie said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "“Denzel was off book, but I wouldn’t mistake that for him being unprepared. He’s a master of his craft, and even if some moments felt tentative last night, you could see the depth of his Othello emerging.“

So…prices are how much, again? For what isa rehearsal for Washington and a full performance for the rest of the company?"

Do you have a ticket for an upcoming preview performance?

Yes? Get a refund

No? Why do you care then?

We can always count on this board to beat a dead horse. First, the Yondr pouches. Then, Denzel calling for lines - and now that he isn’t, for trying to find his rhythm."

 

I can’t stand takes like this. It really ignores the context of the situation. It is not too much to expect that any actor with the normal rehearsal time, no matter how big the role, is fully prepared, off-book, and has a strong take on their character by the first preview.

 

Yes, the beauty of theater is that once actors get in front of an audience they only deepen their performance more and learn more about what works. Key word being “more”. An actor shouldn’t be waiting to do so until the first preview. Ask an unknown how auditions are—you better be mostly off book and have a big, strong take on the character or you’re getting nowhere. A listers don’t have to give auditions. 

 

The only people we give the grace of NOT expecting that is established A-listers. Because they are stars, and we already like them, and their names are what’s selling tickets. We never give that grace to lesser known actors. An unknown making their Broadway debut calling line multiple times at the first preview (unless it’s brand new material) is at risk of losing their job, and likely not going to get much high level work down the line.

 

At the same time, A listers like this are THE REASON why shows like Othello are able to charge $700 for tickets…which most of us cannot afford. It’s BECAUSE of that you’d hope they are held to an even HIGHER standard.

 

Saying that people without tickets or who didn’t see the first preview have nothing to be upset about is ignoring the entire context here. I’d love nothing more to see this show, especially as a Shakespeare nerd and huge fan of Gyllenhaal (and I love Denzel as well). But I am priced out of that privilege. It’s all related—the reason ticket prices are so high is the same reason people will give more grace to big stars than to unknowns.

 

[quizking101]

Posted: 2/28/25 at 12:22pm

Reading all of these posts makes me remember how Glenda Jackson, at 83 and still chain smoking, pretty much carried 3.5 hours of King Lear and did it without appearing to break a sweat.

I have an opportunity to go tomorrow but I’m hesitant to drop the money. Denzel can be an incredible stage actor, but I’m getting the feeling he just expected to coast into this role and it’s coming back to haunt him. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/28/25 at 12:27pm

I’m not seeing this for a little bit (shocking, I know) but everyone I know who has gone has said almost the same thing, that performances are alright (Jake being the strongest) but Leon’s production is pretty basic and sort of lackluster which sadly is what I’ve come to mostly expect from him, lately. 

[Ensemble1740642813]

Posted: 3/2/25 at 1:33pm

Denzel had an injury a few weeks ago where he said he bite his tongue “almost half-off” and was struggling with slower speech a bit. He was also on medication. I wonder if this is still affecting him. 
 

Meanwhile Jake said he’s been prepping for 10 months because he’s never done Shakespeare before. 
 

What is the chances of a miracle and they’ll record this? I would love to see it but can’t make it to NYC anytime soon. 

[Ensemble1665759202]

Posted: 3/2/25 at 4:09pm

Ensemble1740642813 said: "Denzel had an injury a few weeks ago where he said he bite his tongue “almost half-off” and was struggling with slower speech a bit. He was also on medication. I wonder if this is still affecting him.


Meanwhile Jake said he’s been prepping for 10 months because he’s never done Shakespeare before.


What is the chances of a miracle and they’ll record this? I would love to see it but can’t make it to NYC anytime soon."

My understanding was that basically every production is recorded and eventually available for viewing at the NYC Public Library. Might be a lonnggg time though.

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 3/2/25 at 4:22pm

''My understanding was that basically every production is recorded and eventually available for viewing at the NYC Public Library. Might be a lonnggg time though.''

Not exactly true. The Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT) at N.Y. Public Library records many Broadway shows, but due to budgetary reasons, can't afford to tape every one. Given that this ''Othello'' stars Washington and Gyllenhaal, I'm sure this one will be filmed. (I also wonder if Washington, who directed and starred in the film of ''Fences,'' is interested in turning ''Othello'' into a movie, too.)

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 3/2/25 at 4:30pm

Wayman_Wong said: "''My understanding was that basically every production is recorded and eventually available for viewing at the NYC Public Library. Might be a lonnggg time though.''

Not exactly true. The Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT) at N.Y. Public Library records many Broadway shows, but due to budgetary reasons, can't afford to tape every one. Given that this ''Othello'' stars Washington and Gyllenhaal, I'm sure this one will be filmed. (I also wonder if Washington, who directed and starred in the film of ''Fences,''is interested in turning ''Othello'' into a movie, too.)"

Denzel said In an interview that he intends to do a film adaptation of Othello before he retires. He also talks about doing King Lear, but he wasn't specific about whether he meant on film, on stage, or both.