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The River 2014

Opened: November 16, 2014
Closing: February 08, 2015

The River - 2014 Broadway History , Info & More

Circle in the Square (Broadway)
1633 Broadway at 50th St. New York, NY

HUGH JACKMAN comes to Broadway's most intimate playhouse in THE RIVER, a gripping new drama that thrilled and mesmerized audiences during a sold-out London run.

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.

From playwright JEZ BUTTERWORTH and director IAN RICKSON comes this haunting and seductive new play that has already become the must-see event of the season.

Presented by Sonia Friedman Productions, the Royal Court Theatre production of The River will open on Sunday, November 16 on Broadway at the Circle in the Square Theatre (West 50th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue).


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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The River

Review: Hugh Jackman Stars in Wistful 'The River'
6 / 10

Jackman himself is earnest and slightly flabbergasted as his character's narrative and memory gradually crack, but lacks any real slipperiness, making him more a victim of circumstance than a man complicit in his past tales. The actor's natural sweetness shines through when what we really want to see is the rogue. The role may get more mileage from a wolf, not a Wolverine. Butterworth's voice is always welcome and he returns with a pretty, less bombastic script than 'Jerusalem,' though one with gorgeous turns of phrase. (A fish is 'like a bar of precious metal. Like God's tongue.') He has a knack for dialogue between two people testing each other and his recurring love of fearsome nature - 'There are monsters out there. Huge monsters,' the fisherman warns about the fish - is darkly romantic.

A Reserve So Deep, You Could Drown
7 / 10

'The River' is conducted in a more minor key, and is also a more minor effort. Like 'Jerusalem,' this cryptic tale of a man and a woman (or women - maybe) magnifies the seemingly ordinary to mythic proportions, while honorably refusing to stoop to easy explanations. The director Ian Rickson, who brought such clarity and vitality to 'Jerusalem,' lends the same care and polish to the far more shadowy 'River.' This artfully staged production, set in a rural fishing cabin that is one man's insular kingdom, is guaranteed to hold your attention. But you're likely to leave it feeling hungry, and not just because it aims to mystify. Be grateful, then, that any pangs of emptiness are counterbalanced by the intriguing heft of Mr. Jackman's strangely radiant opacity.

THE RIVER, Starring Hugh Jackman, Closes on Broadway Today
by BWW News Desk - February 8, 2015


The River, the critically acclaimed new play by Jez Butterworth, starring Hugh Jackman, Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo and directed by Ian Rickson, closes today, February 8, 2015 at Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre.

Photo Flash: BC/EFA Thanks Hugh Jackman and Broadway's THE RIVER for Fundraising Efforts
by BWW News Desk - February 6, 2015


Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS posted an announcement today thanking Hugh Jackman and the team behind Broadway's THE RIVER for their contributions to BC/EFA's cause. Scroll down for a photo of Jackman and company!

BWW Flashback: Broadway Says Farewell to Hugh Jackman & THE RIVER!
by BWW Special Coverage - February 8, 2015


The River, the critically acclaimed new play byJez Butterworth, starring Hugh Jackman,Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo and directed by Ian Rickson, will conclude its Broadway run today, February 8, 2015, at Circle in the Square Theatre (50th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue). In honor of closing night, BroadwayWorld flashes back on the show's journey to Broadway below!

Happy Or Sad? Hugh Jackman Comments On Final 8 Performances Of THE RIVER
by Pat Cerasaro - February 3, 2015


Hugh Jackman's run in THE RIVER is coming to a close!

Hugh Jackman Comments On Final 3 Weeks Of THE RIVER: 'What An Awesome Time We Have Had'
by Pat Cerasaro - January 18, 2015


Hugh Jackman comments on the final weeks of THE RIVER on Broadway!

Taylor Swift Wins Hugh Jackman's Shirt at BC/EFA Auction
by Tyler Peterson - December 26, 2014


Swift reportedly donated $6,000 to the charity for the piece - which Jackman and another audience member also matched.

Hugh Jackman-Led THE RIVER Recoups on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - December 19, 2014


Producer Sonia Friedman just announced that The River, the critically acclaimed new play by Jez Butterworth, starring Hugh Jackman, Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo and directed by Ian Rickson, has recouped its $3.2 million capitalization as of this week. The production plays through Sunday, February 8, 2015 only, at Circle in the Square Theatre (50th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue).

VIDEO: Hugh Jackman Talks Literally Leaving Blood, Sweat & Tears on Stage in THE RIVER
by Caryn Robbins - December 8, 2014


Hugh Jackman stopped by ABC's THE VIEW and spoke about literally leaving blood, sweat and tears on the stage every night in his new Broadway play THE RIVER.

Groupon Gives Back to BC/EFA on #GivingTuesday With Hugh Jackman Sweepstakes
by BWW News Desk - December 2, 2014


Groupon today announced a campaign to raise funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, as well as campaigns to raise funds for Kiva, DonorsChoose.org and ioby. To join in the spirit of Giving Tuesday, Groupon will match funds collected for each of these campaigns in the United States, up to $25,000 per campaign and $100,000 total. In addition, each $10 donation to the Groupon campaign for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will automatically enter contributors into a sweepstakes* for a chance to win a trip to New York City, including VIP tickets to the new play, The River, on Broadway and a meet-and-greet after the show with the star and two-time Tony Award-winner, Hugh Jackman.

In the Spotlight Series: THE RIVER's Hugh Jackman
by Walter McBride - December 5, 2014


Jez Butterworth's The River recently opened on Broadway at Circle in the Square, starring Hugh Jackman. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photos of Jackman in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In The Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

In the Spotlight Series: THE RIVER's Ian Rickson
by Walter McBride - December 4, 2014


Jez Butterworth's The River recently opened on Broadway at Circle in the Square, starring Hugh Jackman. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photos of director Ian Rickson in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In The Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

In the Spotlight Series: THE RIVER's Laura Donnelly
by Walter McBride - December 3, 2014


Jez Butterworth's The River recently opened on Broadway at Circle in the Square, starring Hugh Jackman. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photos of cast member Laura Donnelly in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In The Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

In the Spotlight Series: THE RIVER's Cush Jumbo
by Walter McBride - December 2, 2014


Jez Butterworth's The River recently opened on Broadway at Circle in the Square, starring Hugh Jackman. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photos of cast member Cush Jumbo in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In The Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

In the Spotlight Series: THE RIVER's Jez Butterworth
by Walter McBride - December 1, 2014


Jez Butterworth's THE RIVER recently opened on Broadway at Circle in the Square, starring Hugh Jackman. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photos of Butterworth in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In The Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

Hugh Jackman Gives Push-up Lessons for BC/EFA
by Sally Henry Fuller - November 29, 2014


Hugh Jackman recently took to Twitter to share a picture of himself whipping his friends into shape for charity.

Broadway's THE RIVER, Starring Hugh Jackman, Extends Into February 2015
by Tyler Peterson - November 19, 2014


The River, the critically acclaimed new play by Jez Butterworth, starring Hugh Jackman, Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo and directed by Ian Rickson, has been extended for an additional two weeks. The production will now play through Sunday, February 8, 2015 only, at Circle in the Square Theatre (50th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue).

TV: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of THE RIVER!
by TV - Opening Night Special - November 17, 2014


THE RIVER opened last night, Nov. 16, at Circle in the Square (50th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue). A new play by Jez Butterworth, The River stars Hugh Jackman, Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo and is directed by Ian Rickson. The production will play a strictly limited 13-week engagement through Sunday, January 25, 2015. BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was on the red carpet to chat with the opening night guests before the curtain went up, and you can check out interviews with Rob Ashford, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen Burstyn and more below!

Photo Coverage: Inside THE RIVER's Opening Night Theatre Arrivals
by Walter McBride - November 17, 2014


THE RIVER opened last night, Nov. 16, at Circle in the Square (50th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue). A new play by Jez Butterworth, The River stars Hugh Jackman, Laura Donnelly andCush Jumbo and is directed by Ian Rickson. The production will play a strictly limited 13-week engagement through Sunday, January 25, 2015. BroadwayWorld was on hand for all of the opening night festivities and you can check out photos from the star-studded theatre arivals below!

Photo Coverage: Hugh Jackman, Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo Celebrate Opening Night of THE RIVER!
by Walter McBride - November 17, 2014


THE RIVER opened last night, Nov. 16, at Circle in the Square (50th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue). A new play by Jez Butterworth, The River stars Hugh Jackman, Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo and is directed by Ian Rickson. The production will play a strictly limited 13-week engagement through Sunday, January 25, 2015. BroadwayWorld was on hand for all of the opening night festivities and you can check out photos from the after party below!

TV: Chatting with Hugh Jackman and the Company of THE RIVER on Opening Night!
by TV - Opening Night Special - November 18, 2014


THE RIVER opened Sunday night, Nov. 16, at Circle in the Square (50th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue). A new play by Jez Butterworth, The River stars Hugh Jackman, Laura Donnelly andCush Jumbo and is directed by Ian Rickson. The production will play a strictly limited 13-week engagement through Sunday, January 25, 2015. BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there for opening night and you can check out interviews with the company below!

BWW Reviews: Butterworth's THE RIVER Drowns in Its Own Ambiguity
by Michael Dale - November 16, 2014


Hugh Jackman stars in the longest 90 minutes on Broadway..

Review Roundup: THE RIVER Opens on Broadway- All the Reviews!
by Sally Henry Fuller - November 16, 2014


THE RIVER opens tonight, Nov. 16, at Circle in the Square (50th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue). BroadwayWorld brings you the reviews in real time below!

THE RIVER, Starring Hugh Jackman, Opens on Broadway Tonight
by Sally Henry Fuller - November 16, 2014


THE RIVER opens tonight, Nov. 16, at Circle in the Square (50th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue).

The River History

Other Productions of The River

1988   Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
2014   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
   West End
West End

Videos