"Next Fall" by Geoffrey Nauffts is a beautiful and heartwarming story of modern romance -- a gay couple who, five years into their relationship, is still agonizing over differences in religion. Headlining the play are Bart Guingona and David Bianco, two very professional and passionate actors who gave justice to their roles, under the direction of stage veteran Audie Gemora.
I first met Bart Guingona almost a decade ago and have worked with him for events, and although I know he is a brilliant theater actor, it was my first time to watch him on stage. He is indeed brilliant beyond words -- even if his role as Adam, the candle salesman-turned-teacher and love of Luke's life, was like stepping on thin ice (in a predominantly Catholic/Christian country), Bart was able to communicate his role in a way that felt light as a feather.
On the other hand, young thespian David Bianco attacked the role with the ease of a veteran, acting "cute" and romantic when the scene calls for it. I guess the thrust his lovely wife gives him makes it easy for him to do sensitive roles such as Luke, an aspiring actor-cum-cater waiter, who has been hiding his true nature from his parents.
Providing more depth and color to the play are supporting roles essayed by actors Liesl Batucan as Holly, Miguel Faustman asButch, Juno Henares as Arlene, and Niccolo Manahan as Brandon.
I won't be a spoiler and tell the whole story but I just want to share that I loved Audie Gemora's frame of mind and heart when he took on the role of the director -- clear of any judgment. Yes, the main characters are gay and the story involves religion but he wanted to deliver the message just as the play intended and that is to show that love can overcome religious differences between persons and that love can make one believe in God. "What drew me to the piece is its honesty. Luke is such an honest portrayal of Christians who struggle with sexual identity but find redemption in God's love and grace," Audie shares, "In the end, Adam, the staunch atheist can only acknowledge the transforming power of Luke's love."
I highly recommend that you watch "Next Fall" at Onstage Greenbelt while you can: 8 pm shows on January 20, 21, 27 and 28; February 3 and 4; with 3:30 pm matinee shows on January 21, 22, 28 and 29; February 4 and 5. But before you watch, please leave all judgment out the door.
"Next Fall" won the 2010 John Gassner Award and, in the same year, was nominated for the Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Play; Tony Awards for Best Play; Outer Critics Circle Awards for Outstanding New Broadway Play.
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