Hugh Jackman in THE RIVER on Broadway

[jo]

I wonder if Hugh has been directly involved in the changes ( 10 minutes could actually feel longer onstage, when it involves dialog or even action scenes)? Maybe that was part of the meeting with Ian, Laura, and Cush at the golf course in England? To discuss the changes?

Did Jez Butterworth add more dialog...or did Ian conceive of a more dramatic staging of the material?


Jo

[ocjackie]

Kathy, Just saw your post. I don't know if I'll be flying from Las Vegas or taking a train from DC, but I also have to go during Thanksgiving weekend. Maybe we could get together.

Jackie

[jo]

www.theriveronbroadway.com/_videos/theriver_web_video2.mp4

If not --

www.theriveronbroadway.com/


Cool! See how the water ripples

[jo]

The New York Daily News previews the shows that are previewing soon --

www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/theater-arts/big-stars-shine-lights-fall-broadway-article-1.1899892

New plays include nailbiters and heart ticklers. Jackman leads Jez Butterworth’s “The River” (Oct. 31, Circle in the Square), a drama about “a man, a woman and a moonless night.” With Jackman, bona fide box office gold, it could be about a man, a woman and reading the phone book and it’d sell out.

Photo caption --

Mr. Box Office, aka Hugh Jackman, stars in Jez Butterworth’s “The River,” starting Oct. 31 at Circle in the Square.

[jo]

Hugh needs to do some early publicity for the show ( maybe a teaser interview?)


Jo

[jo]

So it was Matt Wolf, former theatre critic for Variety - UK and the International Herald Tribune who wrote about THE RIVER for the New York Times in October 2012 ( his full-length review for British media appears earlier on this thread --

www.nytimes.com/2012/10/31/arts/31iht-lon31.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 smiley-happy082

Excerpts --

“Red Velvet” informs and entertains without ever lifting placards, which is no minor achievement given the hot button issues involved. And in the same vein of multiple rewards, Jez Butterworth’s new play, “The River,” at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, tantalizes and teases and whets an audience’s appetites: An extended scene finds Dominic West preparing in real time a sea-trout dinner for two that should lead to a jump in sales for any fish merchants in or near the Chelsea playhouse.

Mr. Butterworth’s first play since “Jerusalem” in 2009 seared its way into the collective English cultural conscience, winning leading man Mark Rylance a second Tony Award along the way, “The River” provides a contrast in almost every way. This one takes place in a single continuous act, not three, and traffics in silence rather than making a furious noise. What it shares with its predecessor is a belief in the numinous and in personalities that defy ready analysis. One exits the theater asking questions, and enriched.

It’s perhaps best to regard this as only an interim report on what is sure to be the first of many experiences of this play and of Ian Rickson’s characteristically empathic staging of it. The tiny playing space seats a scant 93, and so intense has been demand that the Court is selling tickets only on the day, either online or in-person at the box office. Let’s just say that any effort to get in is abundantly repaid.

The pleasures begin with a bearded Mr. West playing (brilliantly) a sensualist and aesthete who inhabits a remote cabin near which runs the river of the title, as heard at the start and during scene changes. But just as waterways rarely follow a straight path, neither does a play that gradually accrues in pain and deception, self-directed as much as not, though to say much more would spoil the skin-prickling finish, which prompts a reconsideration of all that has gone before. I can’t wait to see it again.

If “The River” gives off the feel of a play-as-poem that is sure to offer up fresh meanings with each viewing...

It’s perhaps best to regard this as only an interim report on what is sure to be the first of many experiences of this play and of Ian Rickson’s characteristically empathic staging of it.

I wonder how Matt Wolf will view the changes in the play ( additional 10 minutes are being incorporated for the Broadway staging)?

If “The River” gives off the feel of a play-as-poem that is sure to offer up fresh meanings with each viewing...

Multiple viewings recommended -- Okay, I hear, I hear ... Calling Telecharge once more


Jo

[foxie]

Wish it wasn't so expensive!

[jo]

Sadly, that is how Broadway is pricing itself these days

www.broadwayworld.com/grosses.cfm#.U_H_wtEcTOU


In the case of THE RIVER, because CIRCLE IN THE SQUARE is just about the smallest Broadway theatre ( max of 700 seats or so), the breakeven level to cover weekly nut and development costs, is harder to reach unless their seat pricing favors the higher end. In the case of the current occupant, Lady Day with Audra McDonald, the top price of $ 302 is higher than the premium pricing for THE RIVER... There are only two sets of pricing for THE RIVER at the moment. Not sure if they are using the infamous "dynamic pricing" though.

Let's hope the time and effort and cost to see the show is well worth it!


Jo

[jo]

The theatre is a large portion of the New York City economy and the new season is being publicized by the city tourism agency --

www.nycgo.com/slideshows/fall-broadway-guide-2014/1

Judging by the number of old-fashioned Hollywood hunks appearing on Broadway this fall, it would appear that casting directors turned largely to the archives of People's "Sexiest Man Alive” issue to find their leading men. Coming to Broadway this fall are Hugh Jackman, Bradley Cooper, Ewan McGregor, Jake Gyllenhaal and Tony Danza, who have all been honored in the annual page-turner. McGregor and Gyllenhaal will be playing up their good looks in love stories by British playwrights Tom Stoppard and Nick Payne, respectively, while Danza will show that he's more than just a pretty face when he sings and dances in the musical adaptation of the 1992 film Honeymoon in Vegas. Meanwhile, the usually sunny Jackman will appear dark and brooding in Jez Butterworth's new play The River, and Cooper will be confronting inner and external demons in The Elephant Man, Bernard Pomerance’s play about the severely deformed John Merrick. And although they've never landed a spot on People's short list, Broadway's most wanted men Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane are reuniting again in Terrence McNally’s revival of It’s Only a Play; while Tony Yazbeck, Clyde Alves and Jay Armstrong Johnson are bringing sexy sailors back in the steamy new revival of the Leonard Bernstein and Jerome Robbins musical On the Town.

Beyond handsome, talented men, there's plenty more star power to see on Broadway this fall—from teen media mogul Tavi Gevinson's Broadway debut in Kenneth Lonergan's This is Our Youth (alongside Michael Cera and Kieran Culkin) to Glenn Close's return to the Great White Way in Edward Albee’s classic A Delicate Balance to Sting’s musical homage to his hometown, The Last Ship. We know plenty who'd give the shirt off Hugh Jackman's back to see that last show—as well as the 14 others that make up this tantalizing fall season on Broadway. See you at the theater!

For the forthcoming THE RIVER --

www.nycgo.com/slideshows/fall-broadway-guide-2014/12

The River


The River is British playwright Jez Butterworth's follow-up to his hit play Jerusalem, which generated a heated following when it premiered at the 90-seat Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at London's Royal Court Theatre. To get tickets, patrons lined up at the venue early in the morning or made frantic attempts online, often with no luck. Even though Circle in the Square, the Broadway house where the play will be performed this fall, is much larger than the London venue, chances are tickets will be no easier to come by. And that's thanks primarily to Hugh Jackman, this year's bunny-hopping, Music Man–rapping Tony Awards host, who can always be counted on to shut down a few ticket-selling websites when his shows go on sale. The River's producers have already started to manage demand by announcing that a limited number of standing room tickets will be available solely on the day of performances. While most people know and love Jackman as either a modern song and dance man or as the clawed superhero Wolverine in the X-Men franchise, he has been known to delve deeper in plays. In 2009 he and Daniel Craig broke box office records with the cop melodrama A Steady Rain, and in The River he plays a lonely fisherman with an enigmatic past. The character may be responsible for the disappearance of two women (British actresses Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo) at his remote cabin in the woods, and, as the play progresses, the mystery of their identities, and Jackman's character, is revealed.
Circle in the Square Theatre, 235 W. 50th St. Previews start October 31; opens November 16.

[jo]

This is a repeat from the David Letterman Show --

but here Hugh talks about his fishing experience!

destinationmissoula.org/blog/hugh-jackman-visits-missoula/

Partly doing research for his upcoming role as a fly-fishing enthusiast in THE RIVER


Is this called some form of method acting


Jo

[jo]

Featured on Entertainment Weekly as among the new offerings for the season on Broadway --

www.ew.com/ew/gallery/preview/0,,20364394_20843351,00.html#disqus_thread

The River (Nov. 16)

Previews: Oct. 31 at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Laura Donnelly, Cush Jumbo
Why we're excited: The simple idea that Jackman will return to Broadway—and not just in a musical capacity—is a treat for fans eager to see him exercise the same dramatic talent he flexed in 2009's A Steady Rain. Jez Butterworth's eerie thriller met rave reviews overseas, and will likely make smart use of the intimate Circle in the Square. —Marc Snetiker

[mamaleh]

I got a chuckle out of this description of THE RIVER on newyorktheater.me/2014/08/22/broadway-fall-2014-preview-guide/

"A trout fisherman in a remote cabin tries to hook a woman into some night-time fishing.

Two words: Hugh Jackman."

Ellen

[jo]

Hey, an ATC'er agrees --

re: "Star Casting" v. "Stunt Casting"


Posted by: garyd 05:21 pm EDT 08/22/14
In reply to: "Star Casting" v. "Stunt Casting" - broadwaybacker 05:05 pm EDT 08/22/14


It has always seemed pretty simple to me, at least as it relates to theatre. Star casting is Hepburn in “Coco”, Bacall in “Applause”, Hugh Jackman in whatever.

Stunt casting is Melanie Griffith or Jerry Springer in “Chicago”.

Great company - Hepburn and Bacall! Reminds me of William Goldman's similar comparison re Hugh in TBFO - Brando and Merman!


Jo

[jo]

There's a poll linked to the page which Ellen has opened --

newyorktheater.me/2014/08/21/broadway-poll-fall-2014-what-show-most-excites-you/

Please support THE RIVER and Hugh!


Jo

[carouselkathy]

Aug 22, 2014 23:20:37 GMT -5 jo said:

There's a poll linked to the page which Ellen has opened --

newyorktheater.me/2014/08/21/broadway-poll-fall-2014-what-show-most-excites-you/

Please support THE RIVER and Hugh!


Jo

Done!

[jo]

Thanks for your votes!

A few more and THE RIVER can start to overtake THE ELEPHANT MAN

newyorktheater.me/2014/08/21/broadway-poll-fall-2014-what-show-most-excites-you/


Jo

[jo]

Uh-oh -- the Bradley fans discovered the poll

Let's encourage other Hugh fans to vote now


newyorktheater.me/2014/08/21/broadway-poll-fall-2014-what-show-most-excites-you/


Jo

[birchie]

Aug 24, 2014 21:45:16 GMT -5 jo said:

Uh-oh -- the Bradley fans discovered the poll

Let's encourage other Hugh fans to vote now


newyorktheater.me/2014/08/21/broadway-poll-fall-2014-what-show-most-excites-you/


Jo

Seems like Side Show is stealing the show, no pun intended...I follow Bruce Bossard on YouTube who is the hubby of one of the writers. He does a lot of show reviews so that's why I follow him. Over the last couple years he's talked a lot about Bill working on the show and the DC run etc. so I'm sure he's thrilled it's going to Broadway at last.

Kind of an unfair poll with such a variety of shows. Lots of good choices so it's a win win for theater goers. Of course I voted for The River even though I'll never be able to see it.
Sue

[mamaleh]

SIDE SHOW is pretty much a cult musical. I hope it does well on Broadway, but I have my doubts. The original Broadway production failed. It's really such a big gamble, especially without Big Names--the exceptions being phenomena such as THE LION KING, WICKED and THE BOOK OF MORMON.

Ellen

[foxie]

Never heard of it wondered why it was winning!

[mamaleh]

It's loosely based on the real-life Hilton Sisters, a vaudeville act consisting of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet. Music is by the composer of DREAMGIRLS. The show is not what I would call an audience-puller, but it does have it cadre of hardcore fans. I do wonder, though, if that will be enough to sustain it through the fall-winter.

Ellen

[jo]

Some discussions on ATC about the results of a Broadway.com poll ( which came out earlier than the one we have been viewing earlier) --

www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/d.php?id=2230611

There are some comments re the seeming low interest in THE RIVER.

Maybe when Hugh returns to NYC and starts rehearsals for the play, there will be more solid publicity for the play and his involvement in it.

Or maybe the discussions on ATC ( hope the thread goes on and on - LOL!) will provoke stronger interest in the play even before Hugh becomes involved in any media blitz.

Jo

[jo]

Have you been visiting the FACEBOOK Page of THE RIVER --

www.facebook.com/TheRiverPlay


Ironically, there has been no current mention or feature on THE RIVER on his official fan page on FACEBOOK.

Jo

[jo]

Another theatre website reviews the fall offerings...and rates THE RIVER as the second most-awaited play!

broadwaysbestshows.com/buzz/news/2014/08/25/2014-fall-preview-broadway-10-edition/10/

2014 Fall Preview (Broadway 10 Edition)

25 Aug 2014 ⋅ by Broadway's Best Shows ⋅ in Broadway, Broadway's Best Shows, Featured, The Broadway 10 ⋅ 0 Comments



The Broadway 10
2014 Fall Preview (Broadway 10 Edition)


As the summer warmth starts to disappear and the leaves slowly turn brown, trade in your days at the beach for nights at the theatre! With dozens of new productions coming into Broadway this season, we took it upon ourselves to streamline ten plays we’re looking forward to the fall season. Take a look at our latest 2014 Fall Preview (Broadway 10 Edition), and share with us what you’re looking forward to! Enjoy!

#2
The River

How much did watching this year’s Tony Awards make you miss The Hugh Jackman on Broadway?! Well, never fear for this jacked and bearded Aussie is back on the Great White Way, but in a different kind of way! Jez Butterworth‘s new play (that’s right, Hugh Jackman in a straight play… no singing) about a man, a woman, and a moonless night at a remote fishing cabin. This Broadway premiere is sure to be erotic, chilling and poetic.

Begins Performances: October 31

(There aren’t any videos about The River yet, so we’re sharing Hugh’s opening number from the 2014 Tony Awards!)

THE RIVER


Tony Award® winner Hugh Jackman returns to Broadway in The River, a spellbinding new play written by Jez Butterworth and directed by Ian Rickson, the team behind the hit play Jerusalem. A remote fishing cabin, a man and a woman, and a moonless night. The River asks: when we find each other, are we trying to recapture someone we once lost? Erotic, chilling and poetic, The River promises to be the must-see event of the season.

*It looks like they are fans of Jerusalem and have high expectations of Butterworth's new play, THE RIVER. I hope they realize that THE RIVER is a different kind of play.
*But it seems they captured the essence of the work -- erotic, chilling and poetic.


Hmmm... erotic?!! Yes, yes!!

I wonder if we are going to see that side of the performing persona of Hugh Jackman smiley-happy036

Hope the additional 10 minutes will be in that direction


Jo

[mamaleh]

You mean when he chops veggies in the nude? That could be dangerous.

Ellen