Elton and Partner to Produce Broadway Play

Elton John and his partner, David Furnish, have joined the producing team for Next Fall, a play about the ups and downs of a gay relationship set to transfer to Broadway this season.

According to The New York Times, the arrangement marks the first time John and Furnish have tackled a nonmusical play. As producers, they will provide money and star power to a production that lacks a famous actor, director or playwright.

Next Fall, which received good reviews during an engagement off-Broadway last year, follows two gay men through a five-year romantic relationship.

"Written by Geoffrey Nauffts and directed by Sheryl Kaller, the Naked Angels production of Next Fall -- which drew critical acclaim during an Off Broadway run last summer -- is moving to the Helen Hayes Theater without a star actor, director or playwright, a risky proposition on Broadway today," reported the Times. "Next Fall is scheduled to begin previews on February 16 and open on March 11."

The couple previously collaborated on Broadway for Billy Elliot: The Musical. John was Tony-nominated for best original score and Furnish served as executive producer.