The Last Five Years to return to Melbourne

The Last Five Years Andrew Kroenert and Katie WestonJason 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 in November.

The Last Five Years is a contemporary music theatre song-cycle that ingeniously chronicles the five year relationship of two artistic new yorkers. Written by Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Songs For A New World), this intimate musical is an intensely personal look at the rise and fall between successful novelist Jamie and not so successful actress Cathy.

Aside from it’s unique, chronologically forward and reverse narratives, this production of The Last Five Years has an innovative, musical treat in store for new and returning audiences alike, under the direction of James Cutler with musical direction by David Wisken.

Two bright lights of Melbourne live music and theatre unite, with Andrew Kroenert (TPC’s Jesus Christ Superstar, Brigadoon, Company) and Katie Weston (CLOC’s Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, The Baker Boys), to present a never before seen take on this outstanding piece of contemporary music theatre.

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 will be presented at The MC Showroom, Prahran for a strictly limited season: 21 – 26 November 2017. Tickets go on sale in mid-September.

Image: Andrew Kroenert and Katie Weston (supplied)