“Hugh Jackman ascends to a new level as a stage actor. His performance opens the shutters just enough to keep us guessing, to keep us hooked.”
Ben Brantley, The New York Times
“★★★★! An exceptional piece of stage writing by Jez Butterworth.”
–David Cote, Time Out New York
“Passionately staged by Ian Rickson, The River is destined to keep theatergoers arguing about its meaning all the way home, if not all season.”
–Linda Winer, Newsday
“Enigmatic, mysterious, profound, and intensely intimate.”
–Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
The River was first produced from October 18-November 17, 2012 in the Royal Court’s Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, in a production directed by Mr. Rickson, also featuring Ms. Donnelly, who makes her Broadway debut alongside Ms. Jumbo. The Broadway production of The River, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, opened on Sunday, November 16, 2014. Previews began October 31, 2014.
The production marks the sixth collaboration between Mr. Butterworth and Mr. Rickson. Mr. Rickson has previously directed the world premiere productions of Mr. Butterworth’s Mojo, The Night Heron, The Winterling, Parlour Song and the multi-award-winning London and Broadway production of Jerusalem.
Hugh Jackman, Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo are appearing with the support of Actors’ Equity Association. The Producers gratefully acknowledge Actors’ Equity Association for its assistance of this production.
On a moonless evening, a man brings his new girlfriend to a remote cabin for a night of trout-fishing. But before the night is over, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems… and as memory collides with desire, the truth becomes the most elusive catch of all.
The River is designed by Ultz, with lighting by Charles Balfour, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph, music by Stephen Warbeck, and casting by Jim Carnahan.