The College of the Canyons theatre department will present the award-winning play “Next Fall” by Geoffrey Nauffts as its first production of the 2015 spring season.

“Next Fall” is a contemporary love story that has won the hearts and minds of Broadway theatre goers while capturing a 2010 Outer Critics Circle Award as best new American play and a Tony Award nomination for best play.

While the play’s central storyline focuses on the five-year relationship between Adam and Luke, “Next Fall” goes beyond a typical love story.

Luke believes in God and Adam believes in everything else. As such, this timely and compelling new American play encourages audiences to examine what it means to “believe” and what it might cost us not to.

“At its core this play is about the challenges of a committed relationship while covering themes of faith, family, friendship and same-sex partnerships,” said COC theatre instructor Susan Hinshaw, who will also direct the production. “This is a play which has great relevance today and the cast is doing excellent work.”

Critics have hailed “Next Fall” for its heart and humor. In its review of the play the publication Time Out New York commented that audiences should “be prepared to laugh some, perhaps to cry some, and then to rise in appreciation.”

“Within this story is a message about the importance of unconditional love, commitment and faith that audiences will certainly relate to,” said Paul Wickline, chair of the college’s theatre department. “We are so pleased to offer our community an opportunity to see this Tony-nominated play by an acclaimed American playwright featuring an outstanding cast of actors.”

The COC theatre department’s production of “Next Fall” will open Friday March 20, and run through Sunday, March 29, in the COC Black Box Theater.

Evening show times are slated for 8 p.m. March 20-21 and 27-28. Matinee performances are scheduled for 2 p.m. March 22 and 29.

“Next Fall” is only recommended for audiences aged 15 and older as the production includes strong language and mature themes. Children under the age of 5 will not be allowed in the theater.

The running time of the production is approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including intermission.

General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for COC students and senior citizens. In addition, a $2 to $3 facility fee will be charged per ticket.

For more information about the COC production of “Next Fall” or to purchase tickets please visit www.canyonsPAC.com or contact the PAC box office at (661) 362-5304.