Pittsburgh City Paper – There are so many layers and word plays in this fish tale.
Quantum Theatre’s production of Jez Butterworth’s The River is funny, romantic, poetic — and almost entirely unreviewable without spoilers. Yes, there’s a plot (of sorts), interactions between interesting characters, and allegorical discussions of fly-fishing as life.
The 2012 British hit’s dialogue has been Americanized, but the feel is still of an English countryside, with references to villages and equally dependable train service and rain. The characters, though finely drawn, remain nameless and ultimately unknowable — as we all are.
Set in a remote cottage, The River sets up an intimacy that is by turns cozy and scary. As the central character, Andrew William Smith easily moves from dominating to charming to vaguely threatening. The Man is concealing something, but it’s not his vulnerability. Opposite him, the bubbly Daina Michelle Griffith and urbane Siovhan Christensen follow eerily similar paths in their respective relationships (games? rituals?) with the Man.
Director Adil Mansoor enthralls and thrills us as the fast-moving River changes dramatic course: deep channels here, treacherous rocks over there and beauty beckoning everywhere just beyond reach.
For many of us Pittsburghers, rivers are more than water: They are the city’s lifeblood, and our own. An evening of watching and listening to the rivers can be soothing or contemplative. Quantum’s decision to stage The River beside a real river (the Allegheny) is inspired — yet also what we’ve come to expect from Karla Boos’ innovative company over the past quarter-century. Where do the real environmental sounds of trains and wildlife end, and the stagecraft sounds designed by Steve Shapiro begin?
The rustic fishing-cabin set, totally realistic above the floor (which is surreal), is built indoors (and heated) onto the dry dock at Aspinwall Riverfront Park. A big hand for production director and resident scenic designer Britton Mauk and crew. And another for technical director Todd Nunn; costume designer Rachel Vallozzi; lighting designer K. Jenna Ferree; and stage manager Cory F. Goddard and assistant Katy Click.
There are so many layers and word plays in this fish tale: the pursuit, rejection, loss and triumph of fly-fishing mirror the course of romance. The River makes for a completely stimulating evening.
