Denzel Washington Is ‘Excited’ About the Success of His New Play, ‘Othello’

Actor Denzel Washington says he is “excited” about the success of his new Broadway play, which is an adaption of the Shakespeare classic, “Othello.”

He is starring in the play with actor Jake Gyllenhaal. According to CBS News, the play just became the highest-grossing Broadway play in history.

It earned $2.8 million in one week, CBS reported, quoting Washington as saying, “It’s the most excited I’ve been this century. Seriously. I haven’t been this excited about anything I’ve done as I am about this.”

Denzel Washington Raised Questions About the Definition of a ‘Hollywood Actor’

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In the interview with CBS, Washington discussed his impression of acting and celebrity.

“What’s the definition of a Hollywood actor?” he said in the interview. “Myself, I’m from Mt. Vernon, so I’m a ‘Mt. Vernon actor.’ I don’t know what ‘Hollywood’ means.”

“Somebody who’s famous on film? A film actor, great success on film?”

“I’m a stage actor who does film; it’s not the other way around,” Washington said to CBS. “I did stage first. I learned how to act on stage, not on film. Movies are a filmmaker’s medium. You shoot it, and then you’re gone and they cut together and add music and do all of that. Theater is an actor’s medium. The curtain goes up, nobody can help you.”

Denzel Washington Has ‘Given His Whole Self’ to the Play, a Report Says

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“Othello’s” director, Kenny Leon praised Washington.

“I think Denzel has given his whole self on the stage eight shows a week. He doesn’t have to do that other than he wants to impact lives — his Othello is going on that spiritual journey. It’s just a real special production,” Leon said to ABC 7.

Gyllenhaal is also receiving praise.

Jamie Lee Curtis, who attended the opening of the play, told ABC 7, “To know someone since they were five and watch them become an artist — to be able to watch Jake tonight to take on one of the most challenging roles is just thrilling.”

She wasn’t the only celebrity in attendance. “Just appreciative that I get to be a part of history. This is a historic evening. Break legs all over the place — it’s gonna be amazing,” said actress Rosie Perez to ABC 7.

The play is set in the “near future,” according to Deadline.

According to Time Out, the play is selling out at “Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre with tickets priced at up to $900.”