Minecraft screen displays logo and freezes

After using the 'Play' button, a screen centers with the Mojang logo in it and then freezes.

What I expected to happen was...:
Minecraft would be opened.

What actually happened was...:
Screen appears with the Mojang logo in it and then freezes.

Steps to Reproduce:
1. Fresh install of Minecraft 1.8.8
2. Open shortcut on desktop. Screen opens.
3. Hit 'Play' in opening screen