Review: NEXT FALL Tells a Modern Tale of Two Men in Love and Two Parents in Denial

Geoffrey Nauftts' witty and provocative NEXT FALL takes a hard look at faith, commitment and unconditional love. Set in a hospital waiting room following a life-threatening traffic accident, we meet an assortment of people linked to the patient Luke (Tom Berklund), a handsome young gay man still closeted from his conservative and devoutly religious parents Butch (Stephen Mac Howard) and Arlene (Zachary Barton) who are the only ones allowed to visit their son in the ICU.

Luke's lover and long-time partner Adam (Jay Ayers) is a committed atheist which we soon learn often causes rather confrontational arguments since Luke is devoutly religious and continually reminds Adam that in order to get into heaver, he must accept Jesus as his Savoir. And while many may wonder about how a gay man can be so devoutly Christian and believe in a religion that condemns their orientation, Luke knows the only thing that matters is his faith since he knows all will be forgiven in Heaven. Love, after all, is not a sin to Jesus. But all Adam really wants is for Luke to love him more that Jesus, a wish he knows will never be granted.

Also sitting in the waiting room are candle shop owner Holly (Rachel Miles) and Brandon (John Shartzer), both deeply concerned for their friends while knowing they must keep the secret relationship hidden from Luke's unsuspecting parents. It is Holly who provides Adam the much-needed comfort and sounding board for his awkward and certainly heartbreaking situation.

We soon learn through flashbacks that Luke and Adam met at one of Holly's parties four years ago when Luke was a struggling actor working for the event caterer and the older Adam was the immediate object of his affection. It's a heartwarming scene of love at first sight. Although together ever since, they never married and no arrangements were put in place for such a happenstance, so now Adam must deal with the emotional consequences.

When it is determined that Luke's traffic accident has caused severe and life-threatening brain damage, Adam is forced to turn to Luke's conservative Christian family and friends for support. Will he admit the truth to Luke's parents or keep their relationship a secret for fear of being ostracized and forbidden to participate in Luke's care and the ultimate decision whether or not to take him off life support after donating his organs? What if he knows Luke's interests are not being served? Is it his place to speak up?

While the characters are somewhat stereotypical, the cast presents each of them with dignity and authenticity. Berklund and Ayers are to be commended for their realistic and totally honest portrayal of what it means to really be in love and accepting your partner, warts and all. And when Arlene walks into the Jewish hospital's chapel and finds Adam praying when the end is near, what follows is the most tender scene of the play during which the real meaning of love and acceptance is brought to light.

While the play seems a bit slow and drawn out at a two hour run time, Holly's final observation that "no one realizes how precious life is while living it" certainly reminds all of us to do just that - and to plan for a future we never think will happen so soon.

NEXT FALL is produced by Matt Walker and Yaron Spiwak, presented by Treehouse Productions and Macha Theatre Co./Films at the Macha Theatre, 1107 N. Kings Road
West Hollywood, CA 90069, on Thurs-Fri-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 7pm through May 22. Arrive early as the small on-site free parking lot fills up quickly and parking in the area is difficult other than the city pay lot directly across from the theater. Tickets are $20 and may be ordered by calling 800-838-3006 or at www.nextfallweho.com. See it with someone you love.

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