The reviews are in for "Next Fall"

Posted at 3:23 PM on April 13, 2011 by Marianne Combs
Filed under: Criticism, Theater

Garry Geiken as Adam and Neal Skoy as Luke in "Next Fall" at the Jungle Theater
All photos by Michal Daniel

Next Fall tells the story of a gay couple divided by faith. Adam is an atheist and out, Luke is Christian and closeted. When Luke is injured critically in an accident, Adam and his family gather at the hospital. According to The Jungle Theater "NEXT FALL takes a funny and provocative look at what it means to "believe", and what it may cost us not to."

Thinking about seeing the show? Check out these varying reviews from Twin Cities theater critics... then make up your own mind.

From Janet Preus at HowWasTheShow.com:

Just letting the underlying tension inherent in this set-up play out would be enough dramatic action for one play, but instead the playwright seemed compelled to cover everything of significance since Adam and Luke first met--in the style of a TV sitcom: set up the joke, deliver the laugh line, repeat a few times and go to a commercial (in this case, a scene change). Unfortunately, this style kept the characters from truly engaging with each other until well into the play--the second act, in fact---as if the story wanted to go there but couldn't because they had to play the laughs...

Which is why, I think, the play has appeal. We really do care about what happens to this young man, and because he loves the other characters, we come to care about them, too.

Sasha Andreev as Brandon, Garry Geiken as Adam and Andrea Leap as Holly in The Jungle Theater production of "Next Fall"

From Rob Hubbard at Pioneer Press:

...This comedy of ideas doesn't dwell in heady high-concept philosophical arguments. Its characters are flawed individuals who fall into believable discussions about the place of faith and love in their lives. The framing device is a hospital waiting room vigil, where Luke is comatose after being hit by a car. His parents, partner and friends will soon confront the "next of kin" conflicts that arise in places where gay relationships aren't recognized. But the story plays out primarily in flashback, as we watch Adam and Luke meet, fall in love, move in together and periodically wrestle with their religious differences.

The play has some shortcomings that director Joel Sass and the cast can't quite transcend -- there are avoidance issues not only in the characters, but also seemingly the playwright -- and the performances of Andrea Leap and Sasha Andreev don't gibe well with the naturalism of the other four, she too over the top, he too icy. But it's an engaging, discussion-provoking play that gives you plenty for your head and might break your heart.

Garry Geiken as Adam and Maggie Bearmon Pistner as Arlene in The Jungle Theater production of Next Fall

From Ed Huyck at City Pages:

...Sometimes the script does let them down--using a closet packed with the relationship's debris while Luke tries to "de-gay" the apartment in advance of his father's visit is just a bit too on point--but the performers work through these hitches and give us a real relationship.

The script moves with great energy and efficiency--it's much like a situation comedy, without the happy ending--and director Joel Sass never lets that wane, be it in the comedic set pieces, the fight, or the long night waiting for the final news.

Garry Geiken as Adam and Neal Skoy as Luke in "Next Fall" at the Jungle Theater

From Graydon Royce, at Star Tribune:

...Nauffts' play and Sass' production share a glib facility. Neil Skoy's bright and cheery Luke explains to Adam that he's a fundamentalist Christian, waiting for the Rapture. He prays for forgiveness after they have sex, explaining that he's just like any other Christian asking for absolution after a lusty day of sinning. What's more, Luke begs Adam to accept Jesus so they will live together in eternity.

Sass' production has the lacquer of small-screen cinema, again perhaps appropriately, but this seems to play right into Nauffts' trap. There has to be a better way.

"Next Fall" runs through May 22 at the Jungle Theater. Have you seen the show? If so, what did you think? Share your review in the comments section.