Stomping Ground Theatre Company Presents NEXT FALL By Geoffrey Nauffts

STOMPING GROUND THEATRE COMPANY, a non-profit theatre company in the heart of Hell's Kitchen, announces its production of NEXT FALL, a play by Geoffrey Nauffts, directed by Scott Koonce.

Produced on Broadway in 2010, NEXT FALL explores the intersection of faith and sexual identity. Adam, a self-proclaimed skeptic, falls for the younger Luke, an actor and a devout evangelical. For Luke, his sexuality is at odds with his professed faith and his love for Adam creates both tension against his biblical beliefs and worry for his boyfriend's eternal well-being. Adam, despite his love for and sexual chemistry with Luke, is continually frustrated by his boyfriend's devotion to a religion that will not accept him as he is. This dissonance is an ongoing threat to their relationship. The play also touches on themes of friendship, familial responsibility, and the role religious belief plays in the face of tragedy. NEXT FALL presents its story with empathy for all, respectfully yet urgently probing ideas and questions that remain urgent even a decade after its world premiere, perhaps more so in our current political climate.

Stomping Ground's production features a talented cast of New York-based actors: David J. Baldwin (Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Broadway Bares), Danny Bryck* (The Civilians' THE DEATH OF ME, RENT at New Repertory Theatre, THE CORN IS GREEN at Huntington Theatre Company), Shara Ashley Zeiger* (Rosalind Productions' SAVAGE IN LIMBO, playwright, ROUGHLY SPEAKING), Myron Donley (THE COLDEST DISH, film, FOX's "Love Connection"), Leslie Lynn Meeker* (SMOKE OUT produced by Polaris North, NO. 5, Emerging Artists Theatre), and Scott Zimmerman* (THE BOHEMIANS at Theatre for the New City, NBC's "Gotham"). Ashley Ware serves as Stage Manager.

Director Scott Koonce is an actor, singer, and director. He has performed such roles as Tony in WEST SIDE STORY, Barrett in TITANIC, and Joseph in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, as well as performing in Stomping Ground's production of THIS VERY MOMENT. His directing credits include THE PAJAMA GAME, INTO THE WOODS, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, and BYE BYE, BIRDIE. NEXT FALL is his New York City directing debut.

Performances are April 6, 7, 12, and 13, 7:30pm, at Metro Baptist Church. Located at 410 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018, Metro Baptist is an open and affirming church for all. Tickets are $20 in advance and can be purchased online: https://nextfallstomp.eventbrite.com/ Tickets are $25 at the door.

NEXT FALL is an Actor's Equity approved showcase production. (*appears courtesy of AEA).

STOMPING GROUND THEATRE COMPANY, co-founded by Angela Shultz and Melissa Harlow, is a non-profit theatre, creating a home away from home for the socially conscious. Former productions include THIS VERY MOMENT, a revue by Brett Kristofferson, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, directed by Angela Shultz, and the new musical, NOT ANOTHER CHRISTMAS LETTER by Paul Cozby and Laura Bergquist, co-produced with Gwen Arment. Scott Koonce, Katie Donnelly, Ashley Ware, and Brett Kristofferson also serve on the SGTC artistic team. More information: www.facebook.com/sgtnyc

PHOTO CREDIT: Jacob Schott IG:@schott_photography