Actors Bridge announces poignant production 'Next Fall'

Every relationship requires a leap of faith. Luke and Adam are the contemporary "odd couple" in this witty, poignant love story. Adam is a responsible but neurotic atheist, while Luke is an impulsive, underemployed actor and a devout Christian. When the unforeseen happens, family and friends' deeply held beliefs collide. Through pain and laughter, intolerance and honesty, they discover how to live at the intersection of faith, love and acceptance. Called an "artful, thoughtful and very moving story," by the New York Times, Next Fall was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play.

Hailed as one of the smartest, wittiest dramas in recent history, Next Fall by Geoffrey Nauffts, makes its Nashville premiere March 21-April 6, 2014 at the Actors Bridge Studio at the LeQuire Gallery Building. A moving play that captured the hearts and minds of Broadway, Next Fall is part of Actors Bridge Ensemble's inaugural season in our intimate new studio space on Charlotte Avenue. 

“As soon as I read this play, I knew we had to produce it. I have watched too many friends broken by the weight of trying to reconcile the faith of their childhood with the love of their life,” said Vali Forrister. “This is a conversation we need to be having as a community, especially in Nashville, where the Bible Belt is still cinched so tightly.”

“The subject matter of Next Fall is timely, important, and, unfortunately, more common than we think.  Nashville is fortunate to have Actors Bridge bring this story of finding common ground at a time when many people let their fear prevent them from engaging in dialogue with others who they perceive to be different than themselves.  Art imitating life gives us the opportunity to reflect, connect, and grow as a community.”  Lisa Howe, Executive Director, Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Directed by Ricardo Puerta, Next Fall stars Chuck Long, Conway Preston, Kara McLeland, Joe Blankenship, Phil Perry and Denice Hicks.  The production stage manager is Shannon J. Spencer. Next Fall is part of Actors Bridge's 2014 The Secret's Out Season. Presenting stories that are often kept secret, this season explores cultural taboos in the service of creating community dialogue, inviting our audiences to consider their preconceptions and connect with their neighbors despite their differences.

Due to the show's sensitive nature, Talk-Back conversations will be held following two performances.

Following the Sunday, March 23 and Sunday, March 30 matinees, there will be Talk-Back conversations with the cast and leaders of the LGBT community including ministers, attorneys, activists and others.

Confirmed for March 23 are Pastor Cindy Andrews-Looper, Pastor of Holy Trinity Community Church (one of Nashville’s largest Welcoming/Affirming churches) and Steven Altum, HRC-Nashville (Human Rights Campaign) Co-Chair.

Confirmed for March 30 are Pastor Greg Bullard, Pastor of Covenant of the Cross (one of Nashville’s largest Welcoming/Affirming churches) and Steven Altum, HRC-Nashville (Human Rights Campaign) Co-Chair.

Show info:

Advanced General Admission Tickets to NEXT FALL are $20 available at http://abe-next-fall.eventbrite.com

General Admission at the door is $25.

Season Tickets are $90 available at https://actors-bridge-season.eventbrite.com

Due to limited seating capacity, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance and arriving at the studio 30 minutes prior to showtime.   

Performance Schedule:

Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 23 at 4 p.m.

Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 30 at 4 p.m.

Friday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 6 at 4 p.m.

Photo Credit: John Jackson Photography