Elton John - John's Next Fall Opens To Rave Reviews

SIR ELTON JOHN's new Broadway play NEXT FALL has won over theatre critics, who have praised the rocker for producing a "deeply moving" and "surprisingly funny" show.

John and his partner David Furnish produced the Geoffrey Nauffts play, about a gay couple whose relationship is changed by a tragic accident.

The show opened in New York on Thursday (11Mar10), and, though it lacks big name stars, critics have praised the six person cast - including actors Patrick Breen, Maddie Corman Sean Dugan, Patrick Heusinger, Connie Ray and Cotter Smith - for their stellar performances, and director Sheryl Kaller.

A New York Times critic applauds Nauffts for writing "the kind of gently incisive, naturalistic play that rarely materialises anymore," and heaps praise on director and cast, adding, "Ms. Kaller keeps the play moving fluidly... And the excellent cast members never overplay."

A reviewer for trade publication Backstage adds, "What could easily have turned into a gay version of a (cable channel) Lifetime TV movie is instead an honest portrait of realistic people."

And a critic from The Hollywood Reporter writes, "Anyone interested in quality theatre would do well to check out this deeply moving and surprisingly funny work."

Next Fall is the first Broadway show John has produced. He previously wrote the music for the Broadway adaptation of Billy Elliot: The Musical, which opened to critical praise in 2008 and scooped 10 Tony Awards last year (09). He has also composed music for Broadway productions Lestat, Aida and The Lion King.