How ‘The Ferryman’ sprang to life

Jez Butterworth did not set out to write “The Ferryman.” Rather, as is the case with many of his plays, inspiration took hold and would not let go until a cast of more than 20, live animals and a real baby appeared on the page.   After opening at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre this fall, the play was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Play and a Best Actress in a Leading Role nomination for Laura Donnelly. Butterworth, who also penned “Jerusalem” and “The River,” and his partner, Donnelly, who originated the role of Caitlin Carney on the West…