On March 23, 2025, the Broadway stage ignited with the premiere of Othello, featuring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. Among the notable guests was former President Joe Biden, who attended the event with his wife, Dr. Jill Biden. The couple’s appearance marks Biden’s first significant public outing since stepping down from the presidency earlier this year.

The Bidens were spotted backstage at The Barrymore Theatre in New York City, where they posed for photos after the show. While they opted not to walk the red carpet, their presence was still a highlight of the evening, which attracted other celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Angela Bassett, and Samuel L. Jackson.

In an Instagram story, Dr. Biden expressed her excitement about the performance, describing it as “riveting” and “brilliant,” along with a resounding “BRAVO!” for the cast.

The new adaptation of Othello offers a contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic tale. Denzel Washington portrays Othello, a heroic general in Venetian service, while Jake Gyllenhaal takes on the role of Iago, a complex antagonist driven by ambition and manipulation. Directed by Kenny Leon, this production promises to deliver a fresh perspective on the timeless drama, but will only be available for a limited 15-week run.

Within its initial week, the production grossed an impressive $2.8 million, outperforming any previous play’s earnings within the same timeframe on Broadway. Tickets are currently being sold for prices reaching as high as $921, reflecting the high demand for this star-studded show.

The performance lasts approximately two hours and 35 minutes, including an intermission, promising to engage audiences with its dynamic storytelling.