Next Fall

Well received in New York, "Next Fall" arrives in Los Angeles in a production by the Geffen Playhouse. The drama, by Geoffrey Nauffts, ponders religion, civil liberties and other issues in the contexts of a gay relationship and a moment of crisis. The cast includes, from left, Jeff Fahey, James Wolk, Lesley Ann Warren, playwright Nauffts and Betsy Brandt.

Well received in New York, “Next Fall” arrives in Los Angeles in a production by the Geffen Playhouse. The drama, by Geoffrey Nauffts, ponders religion, civil liberties and other issues in the contexts of a gay relationship and a moment of crisis. The cast includes, from left, Jeff Fahey, James Wolk, Lesley Ann Warren, playwright Nauffts and Betsy Brandt.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

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"Next Fall"

Playwright Geoffrey Nauffts, left, performs at the Geffen as Adam, a high-stress, know-it-all New Yorker whose wariness about religion works overtime when he falls in love with openhearted Luke (James Wolk), a Christian of deep faith.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

"Next Fall"

Jeff Fahey and Lesley Ann Warren portray Luke’s divorced parents, still tussling over old issues.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

"Next Fall"

A friendship central to the story cements Geoffrey Nauffts’ Adam, left, Betsy Brandt’s Holly and James Wolk’s Luke.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

"Next Fall"

Strangers with a loved one in common are thrown together in a New York hospital room. Luke’s mom, played by Lesley Ann Warren, left, is comforted by a friend of Luke’s, played by Betsy Brandt.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

"Next Fall"

Flashbacks relive key moments in the relationship of Luke (James Wolk, left) and Adam (Geoffrey Nauffts).  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

"Next Fall"

Luke (James Wolk, left) unleashes a charm offensive on Adam (Geoffrey Nauffts), but differences over religion soon become a source of tension.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

"Next Fall"

Different lives are drawn together in a hospital waiting room. A friend of Luke’s (Ken Barnett) shares a couch with Luke’s exuberant mom (Lesley Ann Warren). “Next Fall” continues through Dec. 4 at the Geffen Playhouse.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)