Rachel Foster, David Yakubik, Maria Latiolais Photo by Broken Chain Photography

Butterworth is known for blending themes of myth, folklore, and realism. His theatrical works include The Night Heron, The Winterling, Parlour Song, Jerusalem, The River and The Ferryman, which was nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning four, including Best Play. He recently closed an overall five-year deal with Universal Entertainment across TV, streaming, and film. The River is currently running at two theatre companies in Albuquerque. In short, he is a successful, popular, and well-regarded man of theatre, film, and television.

In an isolated cabin by a cascading river, the three characters, one man and two women, spar and match wits. But when one woman exits to go into the other room, she returns as another woman. Indeed, she is called the other woman. They all talk of fishing for trout, the magic of the sea, and the feelings they are having. These interwoven scenes with the two women represent the same scene with the same man at different times. Where the lyrical prose is captivating, the play is problematic because it is difficult to care about these people in any realistic way, and it is just too male egocentric.

That being said, the West End Production is outstanding. Joe Feldman directs three veteran actors: David Yakubik is The Man, Maria Latiolais is The Woman, and Rachel Foster is The Other Woman. All three actors are skilled and engaging. The set, costumes, lighting, properties, and sound design are exceptional.

West End Productions focuses exclusively on theatrical works, past and present, from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, ranging from classical repertory to the most contemporary of authors, and everything in between. This professional company is a welcome addition to the Albuquerque theatre scene. If you haven't seen the work of West End, you should.

West End Productions' The River runs through September 13, 2026, at the North Fourth Theatre, 4904 4th Street, NW, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. General admission tickets are $24.00, Students $22.00. For tickets and information, please call 505-460 4823 or visit www.westendproductions.org.

Directed by Joe Feldman, Scenic Designer: Ryan Jason Cook, Lighting Sound Designer: Casey Mraz, Lighting Designer: Riley Lewis, Costume Designer: Rhonda Backinoff, Property Designer and Set Decorator: Jordan Rose Claghorn, Stage Manager: Myles Hughes.

The Cast: Maria Latiolais, David Yakubik, Rachel Foster, Fawn Hanson.