Jason Robert Brown’s acclaimed 2001 musical, The Last Five Years returns to the Melbourne stage in a new production at The MC Showroom for a strictly limited season from 21 November 2017.
The Last Five Years is a contemporary music theatre song-cycle that chronicles the five year relationship of two artistic new yorkers. Written by Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Songs For A New World), the musical chronicles the five-year relationship between two New Yorkers, struggling actress Cathy and promising writer Jamie, from their first meeting to their last goodbye.
The Last Five Years is a powerful and intensely personal look, told from both points of view – Jamie’s story begins at their first meeting and follows through to the couple’s ultimate breakup, while Cathy relates the story in reverse, from falling out of love, back to the first spark of romance.
As Jamie struggles to balance his sudden success with his increasingly tumultuous love life, Cathy deals with the frustrations of her own career while watching her husband succeed from the sidelines.
Directed by James Cutler with musical direction by David Wisken, this funny, poignant, and devastatingly honest two-person musical has enraptured audiences around the world with its spellbinding and emotional score and libretto.
Two bright lights of Melbourne’s live music and theatre scene unite with Andrew Kroenert (TPC’s Jesus Christ Superstar, Brigadoon, Company) and Katie Weston (CLOC’s Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, The Baker Boys) presenting an ingenious take on this contemporary musical theatre work.
Kroenert and Weston will both sing and play instruments live on stage – adding a new layer to the show, literally accompanying each other on their exploration of their tumultuous relationship.
Jason Robert Brown has won three Tony Awards for his groundbreaking work as a composer, lyricist, and orchestrator. His emotionally incisive, ferociously energetic, and deeply human scores for The Bridges of Madison County (Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations), Parade (Tony and Drama Desk Awards), 13, and Songs for a New World have brought his unique voice and highly personal songs to stages all over the world.
Other works include The Trumpet of the Swan (written with Marsha Norman), which he conducted with the National Symphony Orchestra. Jason also tours with his band The Caucasian Rhythm Kings, with whom he has recorded a CD, Wearing Someone Else’s Clothes. A film adaptation of The Last Five Years starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan was released in February 2015.
The Last Five Years
The MC Showroom, 1/48 Clifton Street, Prahran
Season: 21 – 26 November 2017
Information and Bookings: www.thelast5yearsmelb.com
Image: Andrew Kroenert and Katie Weston star in The Last Five Years (supplied)