Unless you're hitting A.C.T. or Berkeley Rep, it's a bit tough to find good theater to go to on a Wednesday night. Right now (and at least through early April), however, you're in luck: Tim Barsky and Everyday Theater's has meandered from Epic Arts's space in Berkeley to TJT in San Francisco and then back to the east bay with TJT to the Julia Morgan, and now it's landed for an extended run on Wednesday nights only at the Oakland Metro, a performance space that more commonly features live music. Which is just fine for Bright River, because the musical aspect of this show is nothing short of breathtaking. And don't get us wrong -- the storytelling aspect is great, too.

Tim Barsky, who wrote the piece and is its main performer, does a mostly wonderful job. The show is a retelling of The Inferno -- but don't worry: if you haven't read it (and this SFist contributor hasn't), you'll still appreciate the story. Barsky has adapted it to bring in elements of Jewish storytelling, and to that end he's marvelously successful. At times the show seems more about flight than being on a river, as Barsky gathers speed and is suddenly aloft, delivering the story with rhythms and tones of intense Jewish prayer and a little bit of Kabbalistic symbolism (without any Madonna/Esther references, PTL).

More detailed thoughts after the jump.

The Bright River