‘Next Fall’ mixed reviews: best new play or Cliché City
The new drama “Next Fall” opened on Broadway on Thursday to reviews mixed with praise for its deft comic touch but criticism for clichéd characters.
Tackling religion, homsexuality and other issues about love and commitment, the play by Geoffrey Nauffts transferred from Off-Broadway with the financial backing of co-producer Elton John.
Directed by Sheryl Kaller the cast members are Patrick Breen, Maddie Corman, Sean Dugan, Patrick Heusinger, Connie Ray and Cotter Smith.
“Next Fall” has an open-ended run at the Helen Hayes Theater, 240 W. 44th St., map. Regular tickets are priced from $81.50 to 116.50. Premium seats are $176.50 to $226.50. Student rush tickets are usually available at the box office two hours before curtain for $26.50.
Age advice: The story is about the romance between two gay men. It contains strong langauge and children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
The “Next Fall” Broadway reviews:
New York Times – “‘Next Fall,’ which opened Thursday night at the Helen Hayes Theater, is that genuine rara avis, a smart, sensitive and utterly contemporary New York comedy.”
Wall Street Journal – ” Alas, “Next Fall” is cliché-infested and cloyingly sentimental, and the fact that it has transferred to Broadway after a successful Off-Broadway run means only that you can fool some of the people most of the time.”
Variety – “The laughter and sobs emanating from the audience at “Next Fall” reinforce the impression of a sure-footed return to somewhat unfashionable territory. Calling it a thoughtful, funny-sad soap opera is not intended as a putdown.”
Associated Press – “‘Next Fall’ is expertly cast, enormously entertaining and even laugh-filled despite the underlying seriousness of its subject matter.”
Daily News – “Kaller’s direction is clean and clear, but the play has a strange way of drawing you in and then pushing you away. At times, a character says something so real you think: I know this person. In the next breath, a way too clever quip makes you think: No one would say that.”
Post – “Together, they try to figure out how to bridge this fault line, as Nauffts gently prompts us to wonder how we live with contradictions, and what we’re willing to sacrifice for love.”
NY1 – “Nauffts’s script is a deft blend of urban comedy and pathos, exploring the legal rights of same-sex partners, religious tolerance and the crucial moral importance of speaking the truth before it’s too late.”
New York magazine – “Belief doesn’t answer to logic, of course, and that’s one of the core ideas behind ‘Next Fall.’ What’s remarkable about Nauffts’s play—which first surfaced Off Broadway last year—is the way it mines that conflict for laughs without selling it short.”
USA Today – “Perhaps in his next play, Nauffts will try to craft characters who are as nuanced and authentic as the ideas he’s taking on.”
Time Out NY – “Go see the best new American play on Broadway.”
Back Stage – “In its move to Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theatre—even though this is one of the Main Stem’s smallest houses—director Sheryl Kaller’s tender staging has lost most of its intimacy. Fortunately, “Next Fall” retains its power to move.”
Hollywood Reporter – ” Under the skillful direction of Sheryl Kaller, the play crackles with emotional force and acerbic humor.”
See more reviews at Stage Grade.
Related: Playbill’s opening night picture gallery.
