Latest news with #BarrymoreTheatre
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Denzel Washington DEFENDS $900 tickets to see him on Broadway amid Beyonce comparisons and fan backlash
Denzel Washington is weighing in on the outrageous prices for tickets to see him star in Othello on Broadway — and he doesn't have a problem with the triple-digit costs. Fans looking to catch the Oscar-winning star and his costar Jake Gyllenhaal in Shakespeare's tragedy have been dealing with major sticker shock after seeing prices as high as $900. While speaking to last month, Othello's director Kenny Leon went as far as to compare the inflated prices to those of Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour. The 70-year-old stage and screen star seemed to wave away the eye-popping prices by noting that a few lucky audience members at the Barrymore Theatre could snatch tickets that were considerably cheaper. '[They're selling] as low as $50. People don't talk about that,' Washington said while chatting with Entertainment Weekly. However, those cheap tickets — at least by Broadway standards — aren't easily accessible to most theatergoers. According to the Othello production's website, the only way to get tickets for $49 each — 'fees included' — is to enter a digital lottery system that opens at 12 a.m. ET on the day before the performance. The winners are then alerted and given the opportunity to purchase those significantly discounted tickets at 10 a.m. the day before. But it's unclear exactly how many lottery winners there are per show, and anyone traveling to New York City with hopes of seeing Washington and Gyllenhaal performing Shakespeare won't want to take the chance. Students with valid IDs also have the option to get the cheaper tickets on the day of, but the supply is likely limited. Tickets made available after buyers have to cancel are also a cheaper option, though they tend to be multiple times more expensive than the $50 tickets, even though they're a steal compared to $900 tickets. As of Tuesday evening, most upcoming Othello performances are sold out or only have one or two available seats. The cheapest regular ticket options appear to be over $600, while more expensive tickets cost as much as $921. According to the Broadway League's 2023–2024 demographics report, the average Broadway ticket price was $125.27, though with inflated fees the actual average cost rose to $154.70. However, critics have lately derided the massively inflated prices for a recent spate of celebrity-driven shows on Broadway. George Clooney recently joined the trend when he made his Broadway debut in Good Night, And Good Luck, which is adapted from the film of the same name that he directed and played a supporting role in. Denzel's costar Jake previously scored a hit on Broadway when he led a revival of Stephen Sondheim's classic musical Sunday In The Park With George, which was a hit thanks to strong sales and high ticket prices. The average ticket prices for Othello were previously reported to be $338 per ticket, though anything close to that price appears to be long gone, and the few ultra-cheap lottery tickets may provide an unrealistic picture of ticket prices by dragging down the average. In the same interview, the Gladiator II star — whose recent injury threatened to derail his return to Broadway — laughed off comparisons to Beyoncé due to the play's sky-high ticket costs. 'I haven't quite felt like that. I can't sing or rap,' he said with a laugh. But Denzel also expressed his gratitude for the stellar reception the production of Othello has received. 'I'm humbled by the reaction and the response that we're getting, and I'm humbled by the opportunity to use my celebrity to help others. That's what it's about,' he added. In March, Othello director Kenny Leon defended the play's astronomical ticket prices to He said family's would want to splurge when they saw Denzel and Jake and compared the experience to a family buying tickets to see Beyoncé on tour or getting 'floor seats' to see LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, those most people who see the Lakers aren't necessarily able to afford such pricey prime locations. 'So to me, with a commercial industry, people are paying what they think it's worth. A guy showed up the other night and he said, "I paid $921 for this ticket and you know what? I don't want a cent back. I want to figure out how to come back,"' he claimed. 'That's what I feel proud of every night. I have a 1,000 people in there and it's so diverse,' Leon continued. 'I have young people, I have people that are all economic ranges. We have student tickets for this show. We have digital lotteries everyday. 'I'm proud of the box office and I'm proud of what's on the stage.'
New York Post
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Denzel Washington has a pointed response to $900 ‘Othello' ticket prices
The 'Othello' ticket prices are high — but Denzel Washington's self-confidence is higher. The 70-year-old actor made no apologies for the astronomical ticket prices for 'Othello' on Broadway in an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Entertainment Community Fund Gala on Monday. When a reporter mentioned that some seats for the show cost 'upwards of $900,' Washington responded, 'But as low as $50. People don't talk about that.' Advertisement The actor was likely referring to the $49 student rush tickets. 10 Denzel Washington in 'Othello' on Broadway. Bruce Glikas/WireImage 10 Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal in 'Othello' on opening night on March 23. Bruce Glikas/WireImage Advertisement 'It's gotta make you feel like you're Beyoncé or Jay-Z, with tickets being in demand like that?' the reporter said to the Oscar winner. After laughing at her question, Washington replied, 'I haven't quite felt like that. I can't sing or rap.' Washington is starring as the title role in the Shakespearean tragedy alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, who plays Iago. The show sold over $2.8 million in tickets during its first full week of previews at the Barrymore Theater last month, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway play ever at the time. The record has since been surpassed by the similarly pricey 'Good Night, and Good Luck,' starring George Clooney, which grossed $3.88 million last week. Advertisement 10 Jake Gyllenhaal and Denzel Washington star in 'Othello.' Othello 'I've been blessed beyond measure for a long time,' Washington told ET as he elaborated on the production's success. 'I'm not bragging, but I've been a part of sold-out shows before.' 10 Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal during the curtain call of 'Othello' on opening night. Splash / 10 An ad for 'Othello' in front of the Barrymore Theatre. Christopher Sadowski Advertisement 10 The Barrymore Theatre in New York City. Christopher Sadowski 'God has blessed me with a great ability, and I'm humbled by the reaction and the response that we're getting, and I'm humbled by the opportunity to share with celebrity, or to use my celebrity to help others,' he continued. 'That's what it's about.' The 'Gladiator II' star went on, 'I'm in the service business. You know, you learn the first part of your life, you earn the second part of your life and you return in the third part of your life. I'm in the return phase of life. So I'm returning, I'm giving back to others.' 10 Denzel Washington at the 'Othello' opening night celebration at Tavern on the Green on March 23. Getty Images 'Eventually we're all gonna return to the spoil,' Washington added. 'But that's what's important to me. Giving. Not the hype about what I'm doing. That's for other people to talk about.' The 'Othello' ticket prices were ripped in a March 8 column by Post theater critic Johnny Oleksinski, who later said the people behind the show withdrew his invitation to review it in response. 10 Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal promoting 'Othello.' Nancy Kaszerman/ZUMA Press Wire / Oleksinski ultimately attended 'Othello' by purchasing a $290 limited-view ticket, paid for by The Post, on the far right orchestra. Advertisement He called the show 'dull' in his two-star notice, though he did compliment Washington's 'formidable' performance. 'Othello' director Kenny Leon previously defended the ticket prices to the Daily Mail last month, comparing seeing the show to watching a Los Angeles Lakers game or a Beyoncé concert. 10 'Othello' stars Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal on stage. Getty Images 10 Kenny Leon at opening night of 'Othello' on March 23. Getty Images Advertisement 'So to me, with a commercial industry, people are paying what they think it's worth,' Leon, 69, said. 'A guy showed up the other night and he said, 'I paid $921 for this ticket and you know what? I don't want a cent back. I want to figure out how to come back.'' 'That's what I feel proud of every night,' the Tony winner continued. 'I have a 1,000 people in there and it's so diverse. I have young people, I have people that are all economic ranges. We have student tickets for this show. We have digital lotteries everyday.' 'I'm proud of the box office and I'm proud of what's on the stage,' Leon said.
Buzz Feed
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Denzel Washington Had A Curveball Response When Asked About His 'Othello' Broadway Tickets Selling For Over $900, And I'm Intrigued To Hear What You Think
As you'll probably know, Denzel Washington is back on Broadway, starring as the titular character in Shakespeare's Othello alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. Marking the first time the Shakespeare classic has been on Broadway in over 40 years, the Othello revival has been getting a lot of attention since it opened at the Barrymore Theatre last month. But, aside from its celebrity stars, the most significant talking point of the new production has undoubtedly been the hefty ticket prices. Right now, the best seats for Othello are selling for $921, with prices starting at $216. The production broke box office history in March, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway play ever, bringing in $2.8 million before its opening night. There has been a lot of discussion online about the cost of the tickets, and amid the backlash, the play's director, Kenny Leon, spoke out to defend the ticket prices by comparing them to what people might pay to see Beyoncé or sit courtside at a Lakers game. 'I love LeBron James. When we go to a basketball game, you get a floor seat. So to me, with a commercial industry, people are paying what they think it's worth,' he said in March. 'A guy showed up the other night and he said, 'I paid $921 for this ticket and you know what? I don't want a cent back. I want to figure out how to come back.' That's what I feel proud of every night," he continued. "I have 1000 people in there, and it's so diverse.' Now, a month into Othello 's limited run, Denzel has weighed in on the discussion about the ticket prices. Speaking on the red carpet at the Entertainment Community Fund Gala on Monday, the Oscar winner was asked about 'tickets going for upwards of $900,' which prompted him to highlight what he feels is being overlooked in the discourse. 'But as low as $50, [too],' he said with a big grin. 'People don't talk about that. You heard what I just said, right?' Though he doesn't go into more detail about this point, Denzel was seemingly referring to the limited number of $49 tickets released on the day of each performance, reserved especially for students. In response, the Entertainment Tonight reporter continued to ask Denzel about the wild 'demand' for tickets — and whether the whole thing has him feeling like 'Beyoncé and Jay-Z,' as his director previously implied. 'Beyoncé and Jay-Z?! I haven't quite felt like that… I can't sing or rap,' he joked. '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. I'm humbled by the opportunity to use my celebrity to help others. That's what it's about.' Entertainment Tonight / Via "I'm in the service business. You learn the first part of your life, you earn the second part of your life, and you return in the third part of your life. I'm in the return phase of life, so I'm returning, I'm giving back to others," he continued. "That's what's important to me — giving, not the hype about what I'm doing." Well, I guess he has a point, and it's definitely great that the play is accessible for students! But, $49 tickets or no $49 tickets, $921 is still a crazy amount to charge, IMO. What do you think of Denzel's take? LMK in the comments.
Chicago Tribune
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Of Notoriety: Cast, presenters announced for annual NWI ‘Listen to Your Mother' on April 27
Describing herself as both 'a teacher' and 'a lifelong Hobartarian,' Carrie Bedwell has also been wearing the halo of being a 'producer and director' for the past seven years, carrying the tradition of an annual Northwest Indiana stage presentation of 'Listen to Your Mother.' 'The goal of every 'Listen to Your Mother' production is to take the audience on a well-crafted, 90-minute journey of diverse true stories about motherhood,' Bedwell explains. 'Being a mom, having a mom, losing a mom, finding a mom, or as many interpretations on the theme of mothering as you can imagine, comprises these annual sharing presentations. From hilarious and heartwarming, to emotionally intense and profound, 'Listen to Your Mother' entertains, energizes, brings community together and leaves everyone feeling a little less alone and a little more understood.' This year's event is at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, and is once again on the mainstage of Hobart Art Theater at 230 Main St. Tickets are $25 and available at the door or call 219-942-1670 or A portion of funds raised this year benefits Meal on Wheels Northwest Indiana. 'The show will include reading, songs, and poetry, including Nancy Hejna reading poems from her memoir 'Rainbow Hair' throughout the show, sharing her unique story of losing her sons,' Bedwell said. 'This year's themes include parenting the parent, the many roles moms play, generational trauma, leaving a legacy, domestic violence, not being sure about motherhood, not letting family move on, a mother's unconditional love, adoption, losing one's mom, being a pet mom, gaining a daughter via marriage, suicide/don't always listen to your mother, and grandparenting a spirited 8-year-old-teenager.' The stage idea for the annual production came from 'Give Motherhood A Microphone,' created by Ann Imig, who is credited with founding the concept for 'Listen to Your Mother,' which debuted with the first performance on Mother's Day 2010 at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison, Wisconsin. Within less than a decade, the show became a localized hit as word spread via creative producers and grew into a grassroots movement, which now spans 50-plus cities and 250 productions staged across North America and still adhering to the key of donating a portion of ticket sales to local nonprofit organizations supporting women and families in need. Bedwell, who has worked as an English teacher for 31 years, was first cast in one of the productions in 2014 and then took over producing the annual event in 2018. She will be a guest on my weekly radio show 'Of Notoriety' this Thursday at 11 a.m. on WJOB 1230 AM. In addition to poet Hejna, other presenters this year are Buffy Adams, who works for IYG, North America's longest-running LGBTQ+ youth organization, Mary Lu Cowley, a grandmother and recent widow, Bennett Gallivan, a financial aid advisor at Ivy Tech, Erin Higy, a behavioral therapist, Eunice Jarrett, a retired elementary teacher, Chris Kamstra, an underground singer/songwriter, Amy Lavalley, a lifelong journalist and editor for The Post-Tribune and Chicago Tribune Media, Leena Meisberger, the founder of Light The Way, Gloria 'GoGo' Morris, a technologist and social cause advocate, Alexandra Shloss, a high school teacher and mental health counselor, Marquita Tigner, owner of Super Scholars Learning Academy Childcare Center and Heidi Van Howe, blogger at Ryan Elinkowski, CEO of Meal on Wheels of NWI, will serve as the afternoon's emcee.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
George Clooney's ‘Good Night, and Good Luck' shatters Broadway box office record
NEW YORK — George Clooney's big Broadway debut in 'Good Night, and Good Luck,' which opened April 3, has broken the weekly record for the highest-grossing play in history. The production, which the two-time Oscar winner stars in and co-wrote, grossed $3.78 million across eight performances in its first full week at New York City's Winter Garden Theatre. The average ticket price was $303, though some premium seating listed on the box office board neared $900. The shattering of the record comes after Denzel Washington's starry revival of 'Othello' broke box office records in March, bringing in $2.8 million in one week at the much smaller Barrymore Theatre. 'Good Night, and Good Luck,' based on the 2005 historical film of the same name, recounts CBS news journalist Edward R. Murrow's groundbreaking exposé on Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his anti-communist campaign during the 1950s. Clooney played news producer Fred W. Friendly in the film, but stars as the legendary newsman onstage in his first play since 'Vicious' in 1986. 'I'd been offered a couple of plays that I didn't think I was right for, and I thought if I was going to do it, I should do something that I was right for,' he told The Associated Press. 'This was an opportunity where I thought, 'Well, I know how to tell this story.'' The strictly limited engagement of 'Good Night, and Good Luck,' which Daily News theater critic Chris Jones said 'scorches with the heat of today's political turmoil,' runs through June 8.
