Broadway's newest revival of Othello is only a few days away from opening night, and designer two-time Tony winner Derek McLane is revealing some of the secrets of his set in an exclusive video with Playbill—which showcases how the set changes throughout the play. Check it out above!
The Kenny Leon-helmed production is led by Denzel Washington in the title role and Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago. Previews began at the Barrymore Theatre February 24, and the production is set to officially open March 23.
They are joined by Molly Osborne as Desdemona, Andrew Burnap as Cassio, Anthony Michael Lopez as Roderigo, Daniel Pearce as Brabantio, Kimber Elayne Sprawl as Emilia, Neal Bledsoe as The Duke of Venice, Julee Cerda as Bianca, Ezra Knight as Montano, Gene Gillette as Gratiano, and Rob Heaps as Ludovico. The ensemble comprises William Connell, Ty Fanning, Ben Graney, Daniel Reece, Christina Sajous, and Greg Wood, with swing Abiola Obatolu rounding out the company. Casting is by Duncan Stewart and Jarrett Reiche of ARC.
Shakespeare is, of course, never far from Broadway, though this revival is the first Broadway staging of the tragedy since a 1982 revival starring James Earl Jones and Christopher Plummer. The classic play follows its title character, a Moorish military commander who falls victim to a psychological campaign from adversary Iago, aimed at turning him against his new wife, Desdemona.
The production features scenic design by McLane, costume design by Tony winner Dede Ayite, lighting design by eight-time Tony winner Natasha Katz, sound design by Obie Award winner Justin Ellington, hair and wig design by Emmy winner Mia Neal, intimacy direction by Claire Warden, and production stage management by Narda E. Alcorn.
The production's lead producer is Brian Anthony Moreland. He's previously received four Tony Award nominations, for The Piano Lesson, American Buffalo, The Sound Inside, and Sea Wall/A Life (co-starring Gyllenhaal).
Visit OthelloBway.com.