Review: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Presents NEXT FALL

Playwright Geoffrey Nauffts has put together a provocative and engaging evening of theatre with his work, Next Fall, which thematically concerns itself with issues of homosexuality and faith. It certainly fulfills my personal requirements for must-see theatre by making the audience laugh, cry and think, and it does so with a considerable amount of charm and wit. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting Next Fall as part of their Studio Theatre series, although it's being staged at the Grandel Theatre in order to take advantage of the space required, and they've assembled a splendid cast to bring this heart-breaking story to life.

When we join the story it's already in progress, with Luke offstage in a hospital bed in a coma, a pedestrian victim of a car accident. His immediate family and close friends are gathering in the waiting room, anxiously awaiting news of any change in his condition. His father, and biological mother are on hand, as well as his friend Brandon, and his employer Holly. His partner, Adam, soon arrives, and the twist here is that Luke's parents are unaware of his homosexuality, not to mention the fact that he'd been living with Adam for several years. This awkward and tense set up is the jumping off point for flashbacks that show how Adam and Luke first met, and how their relationship developed over time. Their continual stumbling block is Luke's devout Christianity, which seems at odds, at least to Adam, with his sexuality.

Jeffrey Kuhn gives a terrific performance as Adam, entering the waiting room like a house on fire, and oblivious, at first, to the fact that he's not even considered to be a member of the family, and that in fact, they're not really sure who he even is, or what his relationship is to Luke. Kuhn brings an unquenchable energy and playfulness to the role, even when he's totally serious, and it helps propel the show along. Colin Hanlon is attractive and endearing as Luke, as he struggles to make Adam understand his religious views, even if they are inconsistent, and at odds with his chosen lifestyle. As the story progresses you want them to work things out, and it makes it all the more poignant that they may never get the chance.

Ben Nordstrom gives a nicely understated performance as Brandon, a closeted Christian, who'd prefer to remain in a permanent state of denial, rather than declare his open homosexuality like Luke, and it's that trait that drives a wedge between them as friends. Marnye Young is amusing as the candleshop owner who employs both Adam and Luke at one time of another, growing close to them both in the process.

Susan Greenhill is hilarious as Arlene, Luke's nutty, southern-fried mother, and her character acts to draw us into the early action by breaking the nervous tension that's begun to build. Keith Jochim is also strong as Luke's father, Butch, a seemingly insensitive sort who's completely impervious to the signals that are being sent his way.

Director Seth Gordon does sensitive work here, treading a fine line with his cast, and not allowing either the comedy or the tragedy to dominate the action too much. Brian Sidney Bembridge's scenic design makes full use of the stage, utilizing blinds to conjure up the feel of a clinical environment, while allowing for projections of background images to set the scene. John Wylie's expert lighting and Rusty Wandall's evocative sound design add to the overall mood, and Lou Bird's costumes are a neat fit for each character without pulling focus.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting an exceptional production of Geoffrey Nauffts' touching and funny play Next Fall, and it continues through November 14, 2010, at the Grandel Theatre.

Featuring (T to B): Jeffrey Kuhn as Adam and Colin Hanlon as Luke. © Photo by Keith Jochim.

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