Hugh Jackman Talks THE RIVER; Reveals He Would Step In for Role in 'Fun Home'

In a new interview with The New York Times, Hugh Jackman says portraying his character in Jez Butterworth's new play, The River is "the most exciting thing I've ever done." The drama is currently in previews at Broadway's Circle in THE SQUARE Theater.

"It was something I'd never had a chance to do, a great piece of writing that has a mythical and timeless feel, and a character dangerously close to myself in some ways," Mr. Jackman tells the Times during an afternoon rehearsal for the drama. "Whatever I'm trying to achieve in my life: If not now, when? And I think the Man is asking the same thing after trying to connect with a woman many, many times. He's asking: Is he capable of it?"

The actor explains the appeal of taking on the lead role in a work composed by a one of today's leading playwrights. "When a new play works, and the word gets around town, there's nothing quite like it," he explained. "That's gold dust. I love feeling like I'm in that first audience that went to the Globe to see 'The Merchant of Venice.' "

Jackman recalled that theater legend Richard Burton took the unusual step of appearing as a replacement actor in the original Broadway production of 'Equus', in order to 'stay sharp.' Asked if there was a role he would consider being a replacement for, the 'Wolverine' star revealed he would take on the part of a closeted gay father who commits suicide in the new musical 'Fun Home,' opening on Broadway in 2015. Explains the actor, "It's an astonishing part."

Read the interview in full here!

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). Previews began Friday, October 31. The production will play a strictly limited 13-week engagement through Sunday, January 25, 2015.

THE RIVER was first developed by Sonia Friedman Productions and was subsequently produced by the Royal Court Theatre. It was presented from October 18-November 17, 2012 in the Royal Court's Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, in a production directed by Mr. Rickson, also featuring Ms. Donnelly, who makes her Broadway debut alongside Ms. Jumbo.

Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo are appearing with the support of Actors' Equity Association. The Producers gratefully acknowledge Actors' Equity Association for its assistance of this production.

The producers are pleased to announce that a limited number of $35 day-of seats will be available for every performance of The River. When performances are sold out, $30 standing room tickets will also be available. Further details will be announced shortly.

The production marks the sixth collaboration between Mr. Butterworth and Mr. Rickson. Mr. Rickson has previously directed the world premiere productions of Mr. Butterworth's Mojo, The Night Heron, The Winterling, Parlour Song and the multi-award-winning London and Broadway production of Jerusalem.

A remote fishing cabin, a man and a woman, and a moonless night. Jez Butterworth's The River asks when we find each other, are we trying to recapture someone we once lost? The writer director team who brought you Jerusalem returns with a bewitching new story.