Hugh Jackman in THE RIVER on Broadway

[Jamie]

Reading the lyrics to Aengus reminded me of a wonderful film. If you have never seen "The Secret of Roan Inish", please make the effort. www.imdb.com/title/tt0111112/

[ADMIN]

Nov 20, 2014 12:20:13 GMT -5 mamaleh said:

On my most recent visit the other day, someone's cellphone did go off, but it was shortly thereafter silenced. One other interruption was of a more natural kind. At a very quiet, almost suspenseful moment in the show after The Other Woman unveils the fish she caught and asks, "What do we do now?", came a very loud sneeze from the audience. Hugh and Ms. Donnelly were visibly fighting the giggles--shared by some audience members--but after several moments were able to get back into the action of the play as Hugh finally responded, "We eat it, of course."

Don't you love live theater?

Note: I did not use an emoji, even though it sprang up. Seems if you type the "g" word for chuckles, it automatically appears.

Ellen

I thought I caught all the "normal" words when I added new emoticons and re-named them, but I guess I missed that one.
Minor "tweak" - should be fixed now. If you notice others, let me know.

You can now type the word "giggle" without getting <giggle*> in your post.

[mamaleh]

Ah, thanks. Seems fixed now. Thanks, Valerie. Happy Thanksgiving!

Ellen

[foxie]

OMG I just read the most terrible review in the Asbury Park Press they say it is just terrible!The reviewer obviously is a Hugh fan because he says Jackman is best when he is flashy-singing and dancing but this performance is just solid and the play is tiresome-sad!

[annetter]

Don't believe everything u read

[JH4HJ]

Nov 23, 2014 10:52:17 GMT -5 foxie said:

OMG I just read the most terrible review in the Asbury Park Press they say it is just terrible!The reviewer obviously is a Hugh fan because he says Jackman is best when he is flashy-singing and dancing but this performance is just solid and the play is tiresome-sad!

Do you mean this one?
BROADWAY: Hugh Jackman can't save 'The River'

I've heard of fish stories, but this is ridiculous.

English playwright Jez Butterworth, best known for the overrated (and Tony-nominated) "Jerusalem," has written a tedious play that talks a lot about fishing.

This transfer from London's Royal Court Theatre would be insignificant if it were not for the fact that it is starring Hugh Jackman, who can electrify the stage like few other performers.

He is also charismatic and seductive — and the intimate Circle in the Square setting offers a tantalizing opportunity to see him up close and personal.

Try to resist this temptation.

In "The River" he plays a character simply referred to as The Man — a rugged angler trying to convince "The Woman" (the impressive Cush Jumbo) to go fishing with him on a moonless summer night.

These two seem to be a couple about to enter a new stage in their relationship, but part of the play is figuring out exactly how serious they are. Butterworth throws the audience off by introducing "The Other Woman" (a fine Laura Donnelly). Without giving too much away, the actresses come and go throughout the play's 85 minutes.

Jackman has chemistry with both and turns in a solid performance. Far from the intensity of his internationally known Wolverine character, here he is a poet. Perhaps that is what drew him to this character.

But on stage, Jackman is best when he is flashy — when he is singing and dancing.

Director Ian Rickson does his best to make this work. The problem is the language. Butterworth is clearly impressed with his talent and tries to hook us in with descriptions of fish, water and nature. This is tolerable to a point, but about halfway through, it grows tiresome.

He seems to be channeling Conor McPherson's "The Weir," a beautiful play that takes place in a rural Irish pub. Full of ghost stories and mysterious happenings, the audience listens intently as the characters tell their tales.

But that does not work in "The River." Whether it's about trout or salmon, it's still fishing, and it does not have the same appeal.

Give credit to designer Ultz, a British theater director and designer. His cabin creates the appropriate atmosphere, enhanced by Charles Balfour's effective lighting, sound designer Ian Dickinson and the eerie music composed by Stephen Warbeck.

Even before the play begins, the cast and crew try to set the mood.

There is a note in the Playbill that states "In order for you to fully immerse yourself in the experience of this play, in this intimate setting, we implore you to turn off your cell phone ... "

Then, right before show time, Kerry Warren, one of the understudies, walks out on stage and tells the audience to do the same. The hope is that people will pay attention, but it creates the expectation that this production is going to be something special.

The good news is that it worked — no cell phones went off.

But this play is dead in the water.

That's the whole thing, and here's the link.

What's the problem, Foxie? It's very similar to all the other reviews - script = bad; everything else = good.

I've seen it. I thought some of the same things (mentioned here and elsewhere) - without all the hyperbole. This script could use a few months in a workshop setting but the actors do an admirable job with what they've got.

There are some truly beautiful "lyric" passages of dialog (great audition pieces for an aspiring actor) but the whole thing never "comes together" as a cohesive whole. "Enigmatic" - a word used frequently in these reviews just means "I don't get it" - which is problematic since it's the playwright's job to communicate with the audience. This script falls short - and no one is blaming Hugh.

It is never, ever, ever a mistake to grab any opportunity to see Hugh LIVE on stage. I've said I'd pay money for a ticket if he sat on a stool and read the phone book (do they even make phone books anymore?) -  this is as close as I care to get to fulfilling that ambition.

It will be over soon. It will do NO damage to Hugh's career, on the contrary, it will increase his stature as a serious, dramatic actor in "straight" plays - confirming once again that he is not merely a flashy "song and dance" man. And everyone, including me, will hope that the next time out he chooses a more worthy vehicle.

[Aside: I was in NYC for 8 days; I saw TEN shows. I saw this once, because I would never pass up an opportunity to see Hugh perform live, but once was enough for me. I'm glad I saw NINE other productions - almost all more memorable than this one, but NONE with a better performance than Hugh's - and I saw some fine actors, including Lane & Broderick and the truly iconic James Earl Jones. No one puts more into a performance than Hugh Jackman. NO one.]

[luzie]

Nov 23, 2014 11:59:20 GMT -5 JH4HJ said:

Do you mean this one?

.... But on stage, Jackman is best when he is flashy — when he is singing and dancing. .....

How ignorant! Assertions like that make me angry, because they don't acknowledge him as a serious actor but only as a flashy song and dance man. The reviewer wasn't a fan of "Jerusalem" and doesn't get "The River" either, since he thinks it's only about fishing and a "fish story".

Unfortunately I have no chance to see the play - I would love to see it - but I've read it and I loved reading it, because it made me think for myself. English is not my mother tongue, but I loved the poetric language and it makes me think about life, relationships, love ... Seriously, I feel sorry for all who don't understand - or don't want to understand - the beauty of this play and the beautiful poetic language. Their loss, not the author's! For me it IS a very worthy vehicle for him - and others, including HIM, agree with me! This play encouraged me to read more ambitiuos literature again and to give James Joyce' "Ulysses" another try.

Not ALL reviews say that the play is bad, there are plenty of them who liked and understood the play!

[foxie]

I Think it is because I talked my boss and her Mom to spend the $185 for tickets we Ozalots would go see him in a shoe store and love it so I feel badly-Didn't u love James Earl Jones??I loved it and would like to se Tony Danzas and Mathew Broderick's!

[hughmanity]

Here is someone's very good review:  oscaremoore.com/the-river-–-fishing-for-love-with-hugh-jackman

[hughmanity]

And another I just saw...http://t2conline.com/the-river-a-psychological-lure-into-disassociation/

[JH4HJ]

Excellent, hughmanity. Thanks for those. They seem more perceptive than some of the "Big Name" critics. I really wish I could see this again - right at the end of the run.

[foxie]

Thank u so much I feel better now!

[jo]

Reviews very good or highly critical --it obviously did not matter to those getting tickets (regular, Access, and Rush) yesterday late morning when I picked up my tickets.

It was a very good cross-section yesterday - quite a few and mature couples, solo males and females, young adult females together, no seeming fanboy, tourists maybe, Hugh-fan moi--- people who will likely find The River, upon closer introspection, to be absorbing and thought-provoking. Probably people who like straight plays as much as they might like (or not) musicals. There were around 20-25 of us yesterday at around 10:30 am.

Or is it the attraction of seeing Hugh Jackman onstage? From the look of people around yesterday morning--I might have been the only "serious" Hugh fan yesterday

I have read the playscript an endless number of times -- but I still expect to be thrilled to see it enacted onstage!

My own expectation snd hope is to see Hugh perform in material that will convince more and more people that he is truly a fine actor! So far, I already have quite a number dates at CITS to validate that!

Jo

[jo]

First reaction -- this is why I love plays!!

I am more absorbed and I tend to think along as it unfolds! A musical is usually pure entertainment(except when it is a dramatic musical)--but a play like THE RIVER moves me along with the pace, the character development, and the reflective thinking that resonates after you have seen the entire play! And when you have such charismatic actors like Hugh, Cush, and Laura (and even the actress who plays the third woman)-- the reenactment on stage from the pages of the playwright's work makes you appreciate theatre even more!

Will be seeing THE RIVER many more times-- and I will write my full impressions when I am back to my own laptop (meaning"home"!).

One last word--now I fully appreciate why Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones wrote his very insightful review!

One more last word--- Well done, Mr.Jackman



JO

[jo]

For my second viewing, I was a bit apprehensive because some have mentioned that it looks like obstructed viewing ( crates and padding and head pillow) esp since I am not a tall person at all! I sat on AA 201. But --

*One of the offending obstructions is a pillow -- a pillow ( right in front of me)on which he lays his head for a minute or two and his famous bod on the offending long padding on which he comfortably lays down! LOL --how much closer can one get to a performing actor! As Annette warned me-- "Don't touch!". LOL- I sat on my hands so as not to give in to the temptation

Plus he was performing many scenes on that side of the stage-- how distracting can a stage actor be ? Front, back, standing, sitting down, lying down - sigh!

Did I learn new nuances--one thing, Hugh must be such a good actor to summon tears every time! And the long monologue - I thought it would be declamatory like many soliloquys - he was acting it out and it was rather conversational ( which makes understanding the material much easier)... I am also quite impressed with Laura D.

Standing ovation for this performance!

Jo

[carouselkathy]

Barb and I saw you down there in the riverbank seating, Jo. Good for you! Really like this play, and the performances were terrific. The only spoiler was someone's phone going off during the most revealing line of dialogue in the play! Also, some lady sitting in front of us kept turning her phone back on to check the time. The light was a distraction and could probably be seen from the stage in such a small theater. There are rude self-entitled morons everywhere!

It's good to be home and warm again! I can cross the Macy's parade off my bucket list and defrost my face, fingers, and toes!

[JH4HJ]

Hugh Jackman had his pals doing push-ups for charity at The River
(Spot the OZalots      )

With his back turned to the audience, Hugh appeared to be motivating two of his Dog Pound friends, who were both mid push-up. 'Dog Pound representing #TheRiverPlay. Getting in the giving spirit w 50 push-ups each for @broadwaycares,' penned the screen star.

Apparently Dali enjoys doing yoga too.



Full article.

[foxie]

Glad u liked the play Kathy. Can't wait!Macys parade is still on my bucket list!,

[jo]

Glad to see you and Barb (Songirl),too, Kathy

She shared a story with me which had my head on smiley-happy082

Today was another standing ovation performance! At this stage (third time), my appreciation of the play is really solidifying -- I am beginning to really fall in love with it, although I do appreciate why it may not resonate with others as it does with me.

New observation - it looks like the cast are not using head mics! I am loving the sound of Hugh's voice with a deeper tone. His vocal range ( speaking voice-wise) is not really yet fully appreciated!

One thing,though -- it seems that I may have inadvertently picked up Laura's lilting Irish accent - LOL!

Jo

[jo]

Today's show was hilarious - unexpectedly

The Man accidentally split his pants -LOL! We were giggling, laughing, even clapping because he was so funny.

He went on for a few seconds with the audience getting a good view - he was hilarious making fun of the incident. Then he went inside the bedroom, where he changed to the second pair ( which he uses after the scene where he pours water on himself) which was fortunately available. He continued to make funny comments after that

Out of character -- but that scene drew the most spontaneous response by the audience.

Later on, for the last scene (and the auction), he was already wearing the repaired pair


There's a new poster, which is Hugh-centric, now available.


Jo

[foxie]

Didn't it ruin the flow of the play??how many times have u gone?I was going to go more than once the the price is terrible!

[jo]

No - his facial expression was still serious, but his adlibbing had us all in giggles. You know how well Hugh handles anything that comes his way while performing

Jo

[jo]

Foxie,

The pricing structure is probably one of the, if not the, most democratized, on Broadway these days. Compared to Back on Broadway, their pricing is much more affordable ! You will just have to put in an extra effort and go to the Box Office quite early during the day (and on Monday for the week's ACCESS seats).

*There are two types of RUSH seats @ $35 each -check out the official site. Half are available every Monday for the week's allocation. The rest are available on the day of the performance. So, a total of 40 seats each day priced at $ 35, with some people getting riverbank seats for their rush tickets (Riverbank are usually priced at $95) . SRO is @ $30 and there were quite a few today. I think they have lowered the price range for the highest seats. I suggest you check out the official site for any updates on the pricing?

*Unfortunately, the riverbank seats are sold out --they are excellent!


Jo

[jo]

Today (Sunday) was also a standing ovation performance!

The auction was, of course, the icing on the cake! Hugh at his best

Jo

[chessie]

[quote author="jo"

The Man accidentally split his pants -LOL! We were giggling, laughing, even clapping because he was so funny.

Jo[/quote]


If I remember correctly, this has happened to Hugh before - perhaps during a BOB performance? No dance moves to blame this time, so maybe it's time to scale back the part of his workout that targets the glutes! <giggle*>

Carol