Next Fall: New Broadway Play Up-Close

By Christopher Moore, Broadway Magazine

"It's a family play about a family in crisis. It's a group of people who have different moralities, differing views on life" shares Cotter Smith, one of the stars of the new Broadway production of Next Fall by Geoffrey Nauffts. Having found success Off Broadway, the production is now moving to Broadway at the Helen Hayes Theatre. Broadway.tv and Broadway Magazine caught up with the stars a recent meet-and-greet.

"My character is Arlene. She plays the worst mom ever...really," smiles Connie Ray, as she reflects on her role in this production.

Broadway Show: NEXT FALL

"I'm so excited to be able to do the show again. It was one of the great experiences of my life as an actor," says Maddie Corman, adding "People got very passionate about it."

"I hope that people will leave, having been entertained, of course—but also asking questions...The most important thing is the story and the ensemble, and I think people really respond to an ensemble really working together," reflects star Sean Dugan on Next Fall's past success.

"Luke is a ray of sunshine. He's the kind of person that walks into the room and makes everybody feel a little better," smiles Next Fall star Patrick Heusinger, discussing his character.

Geoffrey Nauffts' NEXT FALL takes a witty and provocative look at faith, commitment and unconditional love. While the play's central story focuses on the 5-year relationship between Adam and Luke, Next Fall goes beyond a typical love story, dealing with issues of morality and Faith, family and friendship.

"On a theatrical level, I think it's a really important play," shares director Sheryl Kaller.

The production added some star power to its producing team when it was announced that Elton John and David Furnish had joined the list of producers for Next Fall. In a statement the pair said:

"We are excited to join the team bringing Geoffrey Nauffts' extraordinary play to Broadway. After fulfilling experiences bringing new musicals to the stage, it was seeing this inspiring and timely new work that attracted us to take on our first play. As we continue to collaborate together on the score for the new film Showstopper, we are thrilled to extend our working relationship with Geoffrey Nauffts and Anthony Barrile to the stage."

A Broadway David of a show, Next Fall could prove trouble to the Broadway Goliaths at this year's Tony Awards. NEXT FALL opens on Broadway on Thursday, March 11, 2010 with preview performances beginning Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the Helen Hayes Theatre (240 West 44th Street).

Watch the entire video feature with the cast and creatives from Next Fall right here on Broadway.tv.