Anthony Michael Lopez Shares Backstage Secrets From OTHELLO
Lopez stars as Roderigo in the production, now on Broadway at the Barrymore Theatre, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal.
By: Stephi Wild Apr. 21, 2025
We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving.
In this edition, we catch up with Anthony Michael Lopez, currently appearing in Othello on Broadway. Below, he takes us backstage at the Barrymore Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of his favorite backstage moments!
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?
I always check in with our security guys, Willie and Jordon, who’s also a fantastic actor and writer (@theygottime). They both worked at the Barrymore during Our Town, so we’re fam at this point.
What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?
Jake and I have the first scene, so we usually run lines backstage. Then we devolve into fart humor or start singing showtunes or something until it’s time to rein it in.
What’s your must-have backstage snack?
Our incredible wardrobe team keeps a stash of cookies and candy stocked in their area. It’s my lifeblood. Alan, our wardrobe supervisor, was my dresser on Camelot, and the thing about Alan is that he will always bring a treat. We are kindred.
Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?
Sometimes I’ll pull a few tarot cards if I need a lil nudge from the great beyond. I get a lot of knocks on my door, people asking for readings. My dressing room becomes very popular once word gets out that I give good tarot.
What are five must-haves in your dressing room?
1. Snacks 2. Altoids 3. Electric razor (shiny-ass head maintenance) 4. Bottle of mezcal 5. Dan Pearce
What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?
I always tune into the scenes where Iago subtly tortures Othello with the thought that his wife Desdemona (played by the brilliant Molly Osborne) is having an affair. Watching Denzel wrestle with that possibility is such a feast.
What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?
It was kind of emotional to come back to the Barrymore just four weeks after Our Town closed. Seeing the crew again, moving into the same dressing room. The community is one of the best things about this job.
About Anthony Michael Lopez
Anthony Michael Lopez's Broadway credits include Our Town and Camelot. Off-Broadway and other New York credits include Othello; Light Shining in Buckinghamshire; The Artificial Jungle; and The Unexpected Guest. Regional credits include Titus Andronicus; The Taming of The Shrew; Vanity Fair; Henry V; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (nat’l tour); and Our Town.
On TV & Film, Anthony can be seen in “Survival of The Thickest” (Bruce); “The Gilded Age;” “New Amsterdam;” “Homeland;” “Broad City;” “The Knick;” “Time After Time;” “The 76th Annual Tony Awards;” “Half Life;” “Desert In;” Mapplethorpe; and The Shallow Tale.
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