NEXT FALL

Theatrical buzz surrounded NEXT FALL, partly because of Elton John and partner David Furnish's producing involvement.  It also seemed an intriguing  opportunity to discover how a gay fundamental Christian and a gay atheist (relatively) might manage a 'meaningful' relationship in urban NYC.

Unfortunately, the first act felt more like a WILL & GRACE episode than a well written Broadway drama that could  stand up to the brilliantly crafted words and conflicts of Broadway's RED.

We are presented with an age difference between 2 lovers, Luke (Patrick Heusinger)  and Adam  (Patrick Breen).  In addition, each are religious  opposites.  Were there any sexual chemistry between the two actors we might at least be rooting for this relationship to survive beyond the witty repartee sprinkled among the players.  Hip jokes do not a play make. 

Add to the mix a fundamental Christian dad, a fag hag and a former lover of Adam's.  One  longed for a fresh turn that might have offered us compelling insights as to why  two disparate characters really belonged to one another. 

 The  play is told in flashback.  Luke is fighting for his life in an Intensive Care Unit after a shattering taxi accident.  The playwright, Geoffrey Nauffts,  attempts to draw us into the basic ache that true love must survive.  Ultimately, this theatregoer felt manipulated and disappointed by the flat direction of Sheryl Kaller and the professional ensemble of actors who lacked an ounce of chemistry with one another.   The audience gave the company a single curtain call  and called it a night.