Othello Broadway: Biden seen in first public outing since leaving White House

One of the most talked-about plays on Broadway this season is Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. 

And the nation’s former president secured tickets to opening night. 

Bidens at Othello

Dr. Jill Biden and Former U.S. President Joe Biden pose backstage on opening night of "Othello" on Broadway at The Barrymore Theatre on March 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage)

Former President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden were seen Sunday night in New York City attending the opening night of Othello on Broadway. 

Big picture view:

It was the first major public outing for Biden, 82, after leaving the White House in January. 

Playbill reported other major stars attended opening night such as Jennifer Lopez, Angela Bassett, Martha Stewart, Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Lee Curtis and more - but that neither of the Bidens walked the red carpet. 

Jill Biden did post the experience to her Instagram stories, first with a picture of her and her husband standing inside the Barrymore Theatre in Midtown Manhattan, and then with a photo of the cast. 

What they’re saying

She called it "riveting" and "brilliant" and shared a big "BRAVO!"

She also posted a photo of them dressed up before the event, calling it a date night. 

Othello Broadway

(L-R) Denzel Washington, Former U.S. President Joe Biden and Jake Gyllenhaal attend the opening night of "Othello" on Broadway at The Barrymore Theatre on March 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage)

The backstory

The Broadway rendition of Othello gives a modern spin on William Shakespeare's tragedy that was written in the early 1600s.

It stars Tony and Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington as Othello, "the noble Moor of Venice and commanding warrior-general," its website states. Tony and Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal "portrays Iago, the ambitious lieutenant and masterful manipulator." 

It is directed by Kenny Leon, and will only be on Broadway for 15 weeks.

By the numbers

The play is two hours and 35 minutes long, including one intermission. Ticket prices are selling for up to $921.

The play has already made its way into the history books, grossing $2.8 million alone in one week, according to PEOPLE, more than any play has ever made in seven days on Broadway.