THE HIT PLAY by S. ASHER GELMAN
the climax is just the beginning
Afterglow is a raw, one-act play exploring the emotional, intellectual, and physical connections between three men and the broader implications within their relationships.
Josh and Alex, a married couple in an open relationship, invite Darius to share their bed one night. When a new intimate connection begins to form, all three men must come to terms with their individual definitions of love, loyalty, and trust as futures are questioned, relationships are shaken, and commitments are challenged.
OUR STORY
Afterglow opened Off-Broadway in June 2017. Originally slated for a limited two-month engagement, it quickly struck a chord with audiences through its raw intimacy, contemporary storytelling, and artistic exploration of love, loyalty, and trust. Word spread and demand surged, leading to six extensions and a record-breaking year-and-a-half run.
The play's reach soon extended beyond New York, finding new audiences across North America, Madrid, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and beyond. Midnight played a key role in its expansion, and further developed its original production for successful runs in Los Angeles and London.
With an Australian debut set for 2026, Afterglow continues to spark conversation worldwide. To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Midnight is bringing Afterglow back home to New York City in 2027, offering a fresh perspective on the story that first connected with audiences a decade earlier.
Afterglow was originally produced by Midnight Theatricals.
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
S. Asher Gelman — director, choreographer, playwright, producer, and Artistic Director of Midnight Theatricals. His first play, Afterglow, premiered Off-Broadway in 2017, ran for 14 months, and continues to see productions around the world. He has directed and choreographed all of Midnight Theatricals’ critically acclaimed productions of the show in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Australia. A 10th anniversary production is planned for 2027 at Midnight Theatricals’ new home in New York City.
Off-Broadway credits include the Lortel-nominated Scarlett Dreams (playwright/director), We Are the Tigers (producer), and safeword (playwright/director). Films include Bookends (producer), documentaries The American Question and Sabbath Queen (executive producer), and dance films The Greatest City in the World and in memoriam (director/choreographer).
Asher’s new play, The Zionists: A Family Storm, had its world premiere at Miami New Drama in April 2026, followed by a run at Barrington Stage in the Berkshires.
Originally from Chevy Chase, Maryland. B.A. in Dance and Theater, Bard College; M.F.A. in Dance, The George Washington University. Cofounder and founding Artistic Director, The Stage in Tel Aviv. Former Advisory Board member, the Fisher Center at Bard. Asher lives in New York City with his partner, Stefano, his husband, Mati, and their two cats, Grogu and Rambi.
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