NEXT FALL Final Performance

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 1:20am

It was so nice to see this play in a sold out house with an electric energy running throughout it. It was something that I sadly hadn't felt since it's closing Off Broadway. Having seen the show many times before I actually almost know it by heart but found myself really watching it like it was the first time this afternoon. The performances were so emotional and more heartfelt than I'd ever seen before. There's something about seeing the final performance of a show where you know the cast is close and it's almost as hard for you to say goodbye to it as it is for them.

Patrick Heusinger made me cry in almost every scene he was in. I love this character and always thought he played it perfectly but there was something different in it today. There was a sadness and an anger that I'd never seen before in Luke, and it was stunning. And it was heartbreaking. Connie Ray as well was so full of emotion it almost made her scene in the synagogue with Adam unbearable to watch. I felt so sad for this woman trying to accept the fate of her son and again, while I know the show better than most shows written 50 years ago I was still just fixated on this grief stricken woman as if I'd never seen her before to where I felt I was almost being disrespectful watching her in this most private of moments.

The rest of the cast as well was giving more than I'd ever seen before and probably the kind of performance you can give only once, when you're saying goodbye.

After the show, I saw people crying, holding each other even. It was something I never expected to see but I guess this play meant a lot to a lot of people. I pray that it lives on and continues to change lives and change minds across the country. Everyone involved in it should pat themselves on the back and know they were part of something truly special.

Thanks, guys.

[GatorNY]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 9:12pm

Jordan...I would have loved to have been there too if I hadn't been out of town. I'm so glad that they received the heartfelt appreciation of the patrons. I'm sad that I only got to see it once, because there was so much to take in. I'm so glad that I had the pleasure of experiencing it that one time. I would have been a blubbering mess no doubt if I had been there.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 9:36pm

I really liked Next Fall but only saw it once. Reading this gave me chills -- thanks for posting it.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 9:38pm

I gave you chills?! I'm so proud of myself! :)

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 9:41pm

Haha, you did. Ice queen that I am.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 9:43pm

xoxo :)

[quizking101]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 10:22pm

I saw it the day they announced closing (June 23rd) and everyone of their performances gave me chills and made me cry.

I thought it couldn't be better than that, but Jordan apparently proved that it could...I wish I was there (especially since Patrick Heusinger is HOT)

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 7/6/10 at 6:08am

I wish I could have gone...it's a special show with an incredible cast. I love it.

[THDavis]

Posted: 7/6/10 at 8:53am

You're review makes me wish I'd seen the show even more.

Anybody have an idea about them releasing the script?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/6/10 at 10:12am

It's going to be published, I think in a few months.

[Elke]

Posted: 7/6/10 at 4:47pm

Thanks for such a heartwarming review, Jordan. Next Fall is / was a truly special show. In the end, maybe not a real "little show that could", but it definitely moved a lot of people including myself and offered lots of food for thought. I am sure it has a bright future in regional theatre.