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. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
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)
Jeff Fahey and Lesley Ann Warren portray Luke’s divorced parents, still tussling over old issues. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
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)
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)
Flashbacks relive key moments in the relationship of Luke (James Wolk, left) and Adam (Geoffrey Nauffts). (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
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)
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)