To See: Jack Goes Boating

Philip Seymour Hoffman is starring in the Labyrinth Theatre (of which he is the co-artistic director) production of Jack Goes Boating, which opened Sunday night at The Public Theater’s Martinson Hall. This charming new play by Bob Glaudini is the perfect chance to see an Oscar winner perform in the cozy setting of off-Broadway. Hoffman plays Jack, a lovable oaf who drives a limousine for his father’s company, and loves everything Rastafarian, including the song “Rivers of Babylon” which he plays for his friends on a hand held cassette player, and pot. His two friends Clyde and Lucy played by John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega, (the first Mimi in Rent) respectively, decide to set up the shy and awkward Jack with Lucy’s co-worker, an equally quirky embalmer’s assistant. From there, Jack decides he wants to impress Connie, so he spends his free time honing his cooking skills (in one funny scene, he goes through the steps of making his perfect meal in his head while smoking from a bong) and taking swimming lessons.

Above is a pic of the cast (from left: Beth Cole, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Ortiz, and Daphne Rubin-Vega) doing what they do best.

Jack Goes Boating runs through April 29th.