Quantum’s ‘The River Continues’ Penguins vs. Sharks (Thurs., 10/20/16)

Siovhan Christensen (L) and Daina Michelle Griffith play the eerie, unnamed women in Quantum Theatre’s “The River.” But don’t be overly spooked: theater on tap this month includes shows that span a rich variety of moods and genres. photo: Heather Mull.

1) Quantum Theatre has pulled off some surprising feats over the past few years—such as turning one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known plays, The Winter’s Tale, into an astounding, psychedelic comic opera. Now the company is going after another potential sleeper hit with Jez Butterworth’s The River. Butterworth is a highly regarded English playwright, so there’s no question of author cred here. But whereas his previous play, the 2008 Jerusalem, was a raucous blockbuster that won several big awards, The River is a smaller, intimate drama that has drawn what you might call perplexed praise from reviewers. The male character is a mysterious and reclusive trout fisherman (played on Broadway two years ago by Hugh Jackman). Two women round out the cast. The fisherman is prone to philosophical musings upon his pastime, but apparently he’s up to something more. The nature of it cannot be revealed because the play comes bristling with spoiler alerts. Quantum is staging The River on the shore of a river that must be revealed: it’s the Allegheny. 8 p.m. Performances through October 30. At Aspinwall Riverfront Park, 285 River Ave., Aspinwall. (MV)

2) The Penguins play their fourth home game of the regular season tonight against the San Jose Sharks. Let’s hope the Pens know their way to a win against San Jose! Next is an away game versus the Nashville Predators on Saturday. 7 p.m. PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

3) Mario’s East Side hosts Team Trivia Night every Thursday. Win, place, or show and your team will earn Mario’s gift certificates. Play against the Miller Lite Girls, and you could even win Miller Lite trinkets and giveaways! Feed your brain some chewy trivia and your stomach some delicious Mario’s food. 8 p.m. 5442 Walnut St., Shadyside.

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