Kenny Leon Homecoming to Barrymore Theatre Ahead of Othello
As the marquee for Othello was raised at Broadway’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre, director Kenny Leon was present to mark the occasion. For Leon, this production feels like a homecoming—Othello marks his third play at the Barrymore, following his acclaimed revival of Our Town. Yet, this project runs deeper. In 2014, Leon directed Denzel Washington in a revival of A Raisin in the Sun at the same theatre, reimagining the classic a decade after his Broadway debut with the Lorraine Hansberry play.
Leon reflected on the timelessness of Othello, saying, “Shakespeare wrote this play in 1603, and here we are in 2025. His universal themes—love, its fragility, the poison of jealousy—still resonate. I tell the actors that rehearsal isn’t just practice, it’s discovery. We’re uncovering the good and the bad in us, trying to return to the good.” Leon hopes audiences will leave the theatre inspired to embrace love and reject envy, noting, “Shakespeare meets 2025. It’s the most human play I’ve had the pleasure of working on.”
The production begins previews on February 24, with an official opening set for March 23 at the Barrymore Theatre. Denzel Washington leads the cast as Othello, with Jake Gyllenhaal playing the conniving Iago. The star-studded lineup promises a fresh take on Shakespeare’s classic, blending the timeless themes with powerful performances.
Joining Washington and Gyllenhaal are Molly Osborne as Desdemona, Andrew Burnap as Cassio, and Kimber Elayne Sprawl as Emilia. The ensemble also features Anthony Michael Lopez, Daniel Pearce, Neal Bledsoe, Julee Cerda, Ezra Knight, and more, with casting by Duncan Stewart and Jarrett Reiche of ARC. Abiola Obatolu will serve as the production’s swing, ensuring a strong company presence throughout the run.
This Othello marks the first Broadway revival of the tragedy since 1982, when James Earl Jones and Christopher Plummer last brought it to life on stage. The play follows Othello, a Moorish military commander, who becomes ensnared in Iago’s manipulative web, leading to devastating consequences for himself and his wife, Desdemona. The enduring themes of love, betrayal, and jealousy continue to make Othello one of Shakespeare’s most powerful works.
The production boasts an award-winning creative team, including scenic design by Derek McLane, costumes by Dede Ayite, lighting by Natasha Katz, and sound design by Justin Ellington. Hair and wigs will be designed by Emmy winner Mia Neal, with intimacy coordination by Claire Warden and stage management by Narda E. Alcorn. Produced by Brian Anthony Moreland, a four-time Tony nominee, Othello promises to be a theatrical event that bridges Shakespeare’s 17th-century brilliance with today’s artistic vision. For more information, visit OthelloBway.com.
