I love a play that raises questions for which there might possibly be no answers.
One that takes the audience on a journey of reflection, while at the same time entertains and provides generous laughter.
Geoffrey Nauffts' Next Fall does that and more. His newly opened play, ably directed by Sheryl Kaller, (which has received a great deal of attention because of lead producers Elton John and David Furnish) is thoroughly New York centric, complete with typical upper West side angst and hypochondriacism, courtesy of Adam, the character perfectly played by Patrick Breen. We see the relationship between Adam and his boyfriend, Luke, (the terrific Patrick Heusinger) as one infused with a great deal of respect and love, despite their obvious age difference and religious beliefs.
Luke is a dutiful practicing Christian (praying before meals) who has yet to inform his family about his sexual preference. Adam is neither in the closer not in any way religious. We see their relationship unfold in flashback, after a devastating accident, that has left Luke on life support.
This piece sports fine acting all around by the entire cast: In addition to both main characters, we are treated to performances by Cotter Smith and Connie Ray as Luke's parents, Maddie Corman as Holly, Adam and Luke's friend, and Sean Dugan as Brandon, a long time friend of Luke's. Special note about the wonderful and fitting original music in scene changes by John Gromada.
But the show does need to be edited. 15-20 minutes can easily go. The first act was crisp and moved swiftly, the 2nd act dragged with two scenes that can either be deleted or drastically shortened. We do get the point about the issues, and there seems to be a rehashing of them in some of the scenes.
Still the poignancy of the play is very moving, especially, when in flashback, Luke promises to tell his family about his gay relationship, "next fall." It is a beautiful and sad moment because we know that for Luke, "next fall" will not come.
http://www.nextfallbroadway.com
Next Fall at the Helen Hayes Theatre on West 44th Street.
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