THE RIVER with Hugh Jackman Meanders Incessantly

Hugh Jackman,  the huge movie star & Broadway veteran, is the star in the play THE RIVER which droned on; hook, line & stinker.  Playwright, Jez Butterworth's (Jerusalem '09) new play is a riff on Viriginia Woolfe's "To the The Lighthouse."  The Woman (a captivating Cush Jumbo) plays the 1st of 3 women who ephemerally fade in & out of the life of The Man, (a languid Hugh Jackman) lacking in impact.  The set is in a sparse cabin near an unseen RIVER.  Jackman extols the intoxicating pull of fishing; the one thing that sparks animation in his passiveness.  Jumbo's character is far more dynamic as she tries to lure Jackman a committed relationship.  She spent the day on the river letting Jackman teach her the beauty of casting.  At night when Jackman pleas for her to join him fishing on the perfect moonless night, she puts her waders down & opts to remain inside with her book by Woolf.  "It's just getting interesting.  It's about people setting out for the lighthouse.  Do they even get there or not?"  Does this play reach fathoms of artistry or intrigue?  No, THE RIVER is shallow & trickles along slowly.