Those the River Keeps

David Rabe’s Those the River Keeps traces the story of Phil, a former small-time hit-man who’s recently been released from prison. Determined to put his life of crime behind him, Phil has started to eke out a less-than-promising career as an actor (taking bit parts as criminals in TV detective shows) and is largely supported by his wife Susie, a waitress who’s desperate to have a baby. But Phil is unprepared to take that step and his unwillingness is creating a huge rift between the two. Phil is going nowhere fast when Sal, a mysterious figure from his past, appears and offers him an opportunity: a chance to return to “the life” by partnering on an upcoming murder that Sal has been contracted to perform. Will Phil be tempted to take Sal up on his offer?