Broadway’s latest box office sensation isn’t a flashy musical—it’s Shakespeare. Othello, starring Denzel Washington in the title role and Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago, has officially become the highest-grossing play in Broadway history. And the kicker? It’s still in previews.
In just its first week, the Kenny Leon-directed production pulled in a staggering $2.8 million, dethroning Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s previous record of $2.72 million. Even Wicked had to take a backseat.
Of course, those sky-high ticket prices might have something to do with it. While tickets were around $350 last week, they’ve now shot up to anywhere between $544 and $995, according to Broadway.com. But no matter the price, audiences are showing up in droves. Othello is performing to packed houses—so much so that it’s hit the coveted “90s club,” a title reserved for productions that fill over 90% of a theater’s seats. Washington and Gyllenhaal? They’re playing to 100% full audiences.
The play, officially opening at the Barrymore Theatre is a full-circle moment for Washington. Though this may be one of his final roles, Othello was also one of his first when he was in his 20s. The classic tragedy tells the story of a Moorish general in Italy who, through manipulation and deceit, is driven to commit an unthinkable act.
But Othello isn’t the only Broadway show raking in cash. The musical adaptation of Death Becomes Her, starring Michelle Williams as Viola van Horn, is also a certified hit. Directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, the show has officially crossed the $1 million mark and secured its spot in the 90s club. MJ the Musical, featuring Elijah Rhea Johnson and Tavon Olds-Sample as Michael Jackson at different stages of his life, is another heavy-hitter, pulling in over $1 million per week at the Neil Simon Theatre.
If you’re hoping to catch any of these record-breaking shows, mark your calendar. Death Becomes Her runs through June 2, 2025, Othello wraps up on June 8, 2025, and MJ the Musical will keep thrilling audiences until October 19, 2025. But given the demand, you might want to grab those tickets sooner rather than later.
