Photo Flash: Performance Network's NEXT FALL

Performance Network Theatre is proud to announce the cast for Geoffrey Nauffts' "Next Fall." This smart and heartfelt drama will feature Andrew Huff (Detroit, MI), Kevin Young (Grosse Pointe, MI), John Seibert (Ann Arbor, MI), Barbara Coven (Chelsea, MI), Courtney Myers (Jackson, MI) and Rob Pantano (Ferndale, MI).

"Next Fall" received massive critical acclaim in New York, both off and on-Broadway, and garnered Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Play nominations. PNT's production will begin in previews on June 2 and run through July 3. It will be directed by Ray Schultz, who helmed Performance Network's smash hit, "The Little Dog Laughed."

Broadway's "Next Fall" was produced by Elton John and his partner David Furnish. The New York Times called it an "artful, thoughtful and very moving story" and "an intellectual stealth bomb."

Gay couple, Adam and Luke, are constantly at odds over their religious beliefs. Adam doesn't understand how Luke, a devout Christian closeted to his family, can pray to the same God that is supposed to condemn him. At the same time, Luke agonizes that his atheist partner will go to hell. When Luke lands in a coma after a life-threatening accident, everything comes to a head in the hospital waiting room when family and friends meet for the first time. Spanning five years of their relationship, "Next Fall" is a thoughtful moral examination, that moves deftly between serving up the laughs and exploring ideas to ponder long after the curtain comes down.

Director Ray Schultz said "There is hardly a topic more controversial in contemporary society than religion in general and its stance on gay relationships in particular. ‘Next Fall' tackles these subjects head on, but unlike the divisive paradigm of public debate, the play focuses on the private face of faith and sexuality with all the contradictory impulses and painful struggles such complex issues bring to the proverbial dinner table. What's more, much like real life, the play does so in its own roller coaster-like fashion that defies labels or genre; playwright Geoffrey Nauffts tells the story of Adam and Luke's journey with humor, romance, conflict, sorrow, philosophical thought, and, notably, grace."

Weekly performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm, with a 3pm matinee on Saturday June 18 and July 2.

Tickets can be ordered at the Performance Network Box Office at 734-663-0681 , online at
www.performancenetwork.org or by coming to the Performance Network Theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48104) Monday-Saturday 11-6 or one hour before a performance. Tickets are priced at $22 - $41, with discounts available for seniors, members, students and groups. There is a pay-what-you-can performance on June 2 (suggested donation of $10).

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and The Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

Photo Credit: Sean Carter