A witty and provocative look at faith, commitment and unconditional love, Boyslikeme presents Geoffrey Nauffts’ award-winning play, Next Fall at Chapel off Chapel in a limited season from 12 July 2017.
Luke believes in God. Adam believes in everything else. Next Fall portrays the ups and downs of this unlikely couple’s five-year relationship with sharp humour and unflinching honesty. When an accident changes everything, the most deeply held beliefs of family and friends are put to the test and Adam is forced to turn to Luke’s family and friends for support… and answers.
Painting a beautiful and funny portrait of modern romance, Next Fall is essentially about family. What constitutes a family, what rights do and should a long term de facto partner have in a crisis if the absent family has a different view? Given the whole current marriage equality malarkey these themes are as relevant now as ever.
Originally produced by Naked Angels Theater Company, Next Fall premiered off-Broadway to critical and commercial success at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre in 2009, transferring to Broadway at the Helen Hayes Theater in 2010 with Elton John and his partner David Furnish as Producers.
Elton John remarked at the Broadway premiere, “What happens in this play is so relevant to where America is at this moment in time with religion, with gay couples, homosexuality in general with ‘don’t ask — don’t tell’. What it all boils down to is that we want somebody to love.”
“We all need to have somebody to hold. We all need somebody. I thought this was one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I’d read in a long time. It’s a wonderful play and I’m as proud to have my name on this as I am on Billy Elliot. They’re both really good pieces of work, and they both send out a great message.”
Since the Broadway season Next Fall has enjoyed critical acclaim in the USA, UK and Canada, winning the 2010 Drama Desk Award for Most Outstanding Play, and the John Gassner Playwriting Award at the Outer Circle Critics Awards. It was also nominated for a 2010 Tony Award for Best Play and Best Director (for Sheryl Kaller).
Geoffrey Nauffts is an actor, film director and screenwriter. As an actor, his film and television credits include A Few Good Men, Law & Order, Melinda and Melinda, Oz, Six Feet Under, and the short comedy drama, Baby Steps – in which he wrote, directed and co-starred with Kathy Bates. His writing credits include Brothers & Sisters, Political Animals and The Jenifer Estess Story, and was a co-Producer on the TV series, Nashville.
Nauffts has been a member of Naked Angels close to thirty years, including a stint as its Artistic Director for a number of years. His plays include Baby Steps and Next Fall, which was the winner of the 2008 Theater Visions Fund Award from the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.
“The funniest heartbreaker in town! Next Fall embodies something theatergoers have been sorely missing, perhaps without knowing it, for years. A smart, sensitive, immensely appealing and utterly contemporary New York comedy.” – New York Times
Director: Peter Blackburn Featuring: James Biasetto, Mark Davis, Sharon Davis, Kaarin Fairfax, Paul Robertson, Darrin Redgate Set and Costume Design: James Lew Lighting Design: Megz Evans Sound Design: Linton Wilkinson Original Music/Score: Claire Healy Stage Manager: Jacinta Anderson
Next Fall
Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Season: 14 – 30 July 2017 (previews: 12 & 13 July)
Information and Bookings: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au
Image: Next Fall Cast (supplied)