Quantum’s ‘The River’ in Downstream Run; Trivia Night at Gene’s Place in Oakland (Wed., 10/26/16)

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)

Affable owner/bartender Gene Ney pouring a pitcher from the tap.

2) Some call it a dive. Others, home. Many come for trivia night but return for the camaraderie and daily drink specials. Nestled between Atwood Street and York Way, Gene’s Place may be the best South Oakland bar that you’ve never heard of. Owner Gene Ney teaches business courses part-time at Carlow University, which makes him an educator both in front of, and behind, the bar. The clientele features an eclectic mix of Pitt students, both undergrad and grad, and Oakland natives. The three flat screens are tuned to either professional Pittsburgh teams or to Pitt athletics. For those who prefer to play rather than watch, the dartboard is always ready. The weekly draw here is “Trivia on Tap,” 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Harrison Kinzler and Mike (“Marty”) Stanis make for some tough quizmasters, but to the victors go free booze. Winners or losers, everyone leaves with knowledge gained and a smile on their face. Gene’s has recently switched to a smoke free bar. 3616 Louisa St., Oakland. (CM)

3)  Do you fancy yourself a rock star? Then the place for you tonight is Rock Star Karaoke at the South Side’s Smiling Moose. In addition to pleasing everyone with your great renditions of famous rock songs you’ll enjoy $3 Captain cocktails and half off all Troegs beer from 9-11 p.m. Karaoke starts at 9:30 p.m. DJ T-Money cues the music for you the rock star. 1306 E. Carson St.

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