“The River” runs through it– that is, Hugh Jackman has brought so many people to Circle in the Square that he’s extending his run by a month. “The River” now goes until February 8th. Producers put a new block of tickets on sale for $95, which is pretty cool since the theater is small and there are no bad seats. This extension should give Hugh a nudge toward a Tony nomination. His performance is excellent, even if the play is wanting.
He’s not alone. The two women with him in that cabin– Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo– are very very good. Cush Jumbo, it seems to me, is headed for even bigger things. She lights up the stage. Something about Hugh Jackman–two years ago, he was so good that Daniel Craig benefited from the rapport in “A Steady Rain.” This time, it’s Cush Jumbo. That means that Hugh is aces, and his strong presence is lifting, ah, all boats.
Anyway, one thing you might ask, if you’re being silly, is why Hugh can’t slice up that meal he makes on stage with his claws. Ouch! It’s a “Wolverine” joke.