Hugh Jackman in ‘The River.’ Photo Credit: The River on Broadway FaceBook Page
Over the 2014 holiday season, I was lucky enough to find myself seeing a couple shows on Broadway while I visited New York. The first show I saw was The River, the play by Jez Butterworth that Hugh Jackman is currently starring in at the Circle In The Square theatre. That is one of the most intimate theatres I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing a show in, and it enhanced my enjoyment of the show tremendously. The River also stars Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo.The River is the story of a fisherman who has brought his girlfriend to his fishing cabin in order to fish for sea trout as they head back to the river in which they spawned. While this is happening, the audience is seeing the fisherman and his relationship with his girlfriend, as well as how it plays out as a whole. Saying anything more than that would completely spoil the story told in the play.
While it can be a weakness to not really know where the play is going as a whole, especially since the ending is a bit open, I really appreciated that, because it allowed me to draw on my knowledge of various mythologies and use that to find a parable in the The River as it is presented. For me, having this ability added tons of value to the production. (Plus, it’s nearly impossible to complain when you have such gorgeous and talented people on the stage.) I’m so glad I was able to experience it and see one of my favorite actors of all time performing live in front of me.
After the show, I was also able to wait to see Hugh at the stage door. When he came out, at first he missed seeing me, but my sister was able to call him back, which allowed us to have a very quick conversation. I’d previously met Hugh at San Diego Comic-Con while he was promoting the movie Real Steel, and while that happened, I’d been smushed into the security barrier by other people wanting to see him. I mentioned this to him, and his eyes lit up. He then proceeded to give me a high five and from that, hold my hand for a few seconds. It was a pretty incredible moment to know that Hugh, at least, vaguely remembered me from another short meeting.
As a fan of theatre, I’d recommend The River to anyone who has an open mind and is willing to think when they see a performance. If you’re in New York and interested in seeing the show, you need to hurry! The River will only be running through February 8, 2015. You can learn more about the show, as well as buy tickets, from the play’s website.
Well reading this review certainly makes me want to see the play. I love theatre, since I won’t be in N.Y. Anytime soon. I can only hope that The River will come to Nashville. Would love to see Hugh Jackman in person.
Well I never was much of a theater person. However, we are going to New York in the next few weeks, this article has got me intrigued, not only did I think theatre would be boring, I also thought Theater was for actors that we’re just starting out. Your article has given me a new perspective on theater, thank you for sharing your experience. Your review painted a picture for me, just as you said the ending of the play did for you, by leaving the ending open, it allowed you to draw from your own experiences enabling you to paint your own picture for an ending. My son and I are huge Hugh Jackman fans, so maybe we will check it out. Again thank you for sharing your experience. I don’t read very many reviews but I have read several of yours, and have enjoyed them, as I have the attention span of a flea, I can actually read one of your articles all the way through without yawning. Please keep doing your reviews, I loved your reviews on the award ceremonies you attended, actually your reviews were the only ones I read. Most others are kind of like reading a stereo instruction manual.
Glad you had a wonderful time at the play. Sounds like it was much fun getting to watch and meet that gorgeous man. Haha. Great review.