THE RIVER by Jez Butterworth (Coal Mine Theatre, 982 Danforth). Runs to November 22. $35. brownpapertickets.com. See listings. Rating: NNNN
There are lots of fish in the sea. Weve all heard that expression, and Jez Butterworth plays with that, the tradition of tall fishing tales and water-related religious and English folk stories in The River, an engaging and mysterious work getting a riveting production by Coal Mine Theatre.
Temporarily transplanted from its basement space on the Danforth, the company has migrated a couple of blocks east, and while the venue is not as intimate as the previous in-the-round theatre, it does the trick. Sit as close to the action as you can, so the melancholy mood not to mention the aroma of food reaches you.
A hearty, vigorous middle-aged man (David Ferry) has invited a woman (Jane Spidell) to his cabin in the woods to fish, make love and deepen their connection. After she goes missing, she reappears as a younger woman (Dani Kind) whos also drawn to this man. Are they the same person? Is he some Bluebeard of the brook, drawing women to his cabin to kill them? Is he losing his mind?
Butterworth drops lots of clues, and the dialogue is peppered with sexual innuendo and hints about the mans backstory. But there are no simple answers, and the actors, sensitively directed by Ted Dykstra, bring a grounded naturalism to their performances. Ive seen Spidell in many bigger roles, but what she does here is haunting.
Ferry lures us into this world with skill. And he makes his big set piece chopping vegetables and gutting, skinning and boning a fish, all in the time it takes to hear a jazzy Cole Porter number on the radio seem effortless.
Dont miss this show. Given the tiny space, itll sell out soon.
