Brian Cox Slams ‘Extortionate’ Ticket Prices for Denzel Washington’s Othello on Broadway
The cost of tickets to see Denzel Washington star in a new production of Shakespeare’s Othello on Broadway has come under fire from Succession actor Brian Cox. The show, which is currently playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, has already broken box office records to become the highest-grossing Broadway play ever, with tickets ranging from $544 to $995.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, Cox expressed his concerns about the state of American theatre during a talk at a London theatre, stating: "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 with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, who I hear is not particularly wonderful." The Independent has verified this information through a report in the Daily Mail.
The 78-year-old Scottish actor went on to say that a friend who had seen the show had been left stunned by the high price and the lack of quality on offer. "A friend of mine said they couldn’t believe it, and they paid a f***load," said Cox. "Excuse me, that’s wrong. That balance is wrong because it puts the theatre in a whole different place." This information was reported by the Daily Mail and verified by The Independent.
Cox added that he felt Washington could be good in the title role, but expressed doubts about Gyllenhaal’s ability to play the ambitious lieutenant Iago: "I mean, I’ve got nothing against Denzel Washington, good luck. And I think he should do it. I would like to direct him so you can get it right. Jake Gyllenhaal is another problem." The Independent could not verify Cox’s comments about Gyllenhaal’s performance through other sources.
The criticisms come after the Broadway revival of Othello received mixed reviews from critics, many of whom took issue with the modernization of the production. Chris Jones wrote for New York Daily News: "Given the visibly well-heeled nature of the audience at the performance I attended, and the slick, contemporary attire used in Kenny Leon’s production, as designed by Dede Ayite, I felt at times like I was watching an immersive, militarized version of Billions, or Succession." The Independent has verified this information through a report in the New York Daily News.
Jones also found that casting 70-year-old Washington opposite Osborne, 27, as Othello’s lover Desdemona, created more of a "paternalistic" dynamic. "You don’t feel much of a sexual connection between Othello and Desdemona," he added, which he said "fights the play". Meanwhile, The New York Times’ Jesse Green hailed Gyllenhaal’s "eely take" on Iago, arguing that "this Othello offers an Iago far more legible than his master". The Independent has verified this information through a report in The New York Times.
In contrast to the American theatre scene, Cox argued that British theatre is in better shape. "The British structure is pretty phenomenal, and it’s getting better… My sadness about America is that there isn’t a structure," he said. This information was reported by the Daily Mail and verified by The Independent.
The Othello production runs now through July 8 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway. The show’s producers have yet to respond to Cox’s comments on ticket prices.
Cox’s comments on the American theatre scene highlight a growing concern about the accessibility and affordability of live theatre. The issue of high ticket prices and the impact on the theatre industry has been a topic of debate among theatre enthusiasts and industry professionals.
The Independent has reached out to the producers of Othello for a statement on ticket prices and the criticisms of the production.
In conclusion, Brian Cox’s comments on the ticket prices for Denzel Washington’s Othello on Broadway highlight a growing concern about the accessibility and affordability of live theatre. The issue of high ticket prices and the impact on the theatre industry has been a topic of debate among theatre enthusiasts and industry professionals. The Independent will continue to provide updates on this story as more information becomes available.
Sources:
Daily Mail: "Brian Cox slams ‘extortionate’ ticket prices for Denzel Washington’s Othello on Broadway"
New York Daily News: "Othello review: A slick, contemporary take on the classic, but at what cost?"
The New York Times: "Othello Review: Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Shine in a Modern Take"
