Luke is a nice young Southern gentleman and would-be actor who also happens to be gay; that's convenient for his partner, Adam, a slightly older and more neurotic New York type. What isn't convenient is Luke's committed Christianity — it clashes with Adam's staunch atheism. We see their relationship unfold and bunch up (religious differences are tough on couples) in flashback, because Luke's in a pretty serious coma owing to a traffic accident. As Luke's parents debate bringing their son back to Florida for treatment (Dad's a born-again, Mom's a bit of an eccentric), Adam is trapped in the waiting room because he's not technically a family member, and because Luke's parents don't technically know their son's true sexual orientation. Geoffrey Nauffts' Next Fall is serio-comic examination of the creeds and codes we adopt to make life easier, and how are beliefs — religious, political or otherwise — can set us against the people with whom we actually have quite a bit in common. The Repertory Theatre of Saint Louis opens its Studio Series with Next Fall Tuesday through Sunday (October 27 through November 14) at the Grandel Theatre (3610 Grandel Square; 314-968-4925 or www.repstl.org). Tickets are $15 to $45.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: Oct. 27. Continues through Nov. 14, 2010