Synopsis
'The Last Five Years' is the story of a romance, or rather what happens when romance dies. The musical has only two characters, Cathy and Jamie, and their story is told entirely through song. The twist is that the two stories are told in opposite directions. Cathy's story begins at the end of the relationship and we learn in the opening scene that Jamie has left her and their marriage is over. The opening song (Still Hurting) speaks of sorrow and pain and is full of emotion. Jamie's story starts at the happier end of their relationship when the young lovers have just met and are embarking on a whirlwind romance. The pair are happy and unaware of the five years they have ahead of them. The songs are solos throughout apart from a brief moment in the middle of the story where they come together, Jamie proposes and Cathy accepts. After this we get to see the other side to each of the songs we've heard in the first half, gaining a deeper insight into each other characters and hearing the other half of arguments and conversations. The final song is a duet but sung from opposite ends of the relationship.
Characters
- Cathy Hiatt - a struggling actress who is trying to make it in the world of musical theatre.
- Jamie Wellerstein - a young, talented author about to be discovered.
Popular Songs
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The opening number - my favourite!
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Creator
Book/Music/Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Jason Robert Brown is an American musical theatre composer and playwright. He is an accomplished pianist and has been known to act as musical director, conductor or orchestra member for his own productions. He was born in New York in 1970 and was raised Jewish. He has two daughters with his current wife, fellow composer Georgia Stitt. His notable works, besides The Last Five Years are "Songs for a New World", "Parade" and a stage adaptation of "The Bridges of Madison County". Brown states that two of his biggest influences are "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" and "Sunday in the Park with George". If it hadn't been for these he would have probably tried to join a rock band to be like Billy Joel.
Jason Robert Brown is an American musical theatre composer and playwright. He is an accomplished pianist and has been known to act as musical director, conductor or orchestra member for his own productions. He was born in New York in 1970 and was raised Jewish. He has two daughters with his current wife, fellow composer Georgia Stitt. His notable works, besides The Last Five Years are "Songs for a New World", "Parade" and a stage adaptation of "The Bridges of Madison County". Brown states that two of his biggest influences are "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" and "Sunday in the Park with George". If it hadn't been for these he would have probably tried to join a rock band to be like Billy Joel.
Notable Productions
The show was first performed in Chicago in 2001 at the Northlight Theatre staring Lauren Kennedy (see video above) and Norbert Leo Butz.
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When the show progressed to Off-Broadway in 2002 Lauren was unable to reprise her role due to another commitment and so Cathy was played by Sherie Rene Scott.
The musical never made it to Broadway but did enjoy a revival in 2013 at the Second Stage Theatre, again Off-Broadway. Versions of The Last Five Years have been produced around the world including Greece, Phillipines, Singapore, France, England and Australia.
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The film adaptation was released in theatres in February 2015 and stared Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan. Anna received almost univeral acclaim for her portrayal of Cathy whereas Jeremy's reviews were much more mixed and not nearly as positive. The film was initially only released in three theatres in North America but still managed to gross over $42,000.
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What happened next?
- Norbert Leo Butz is one of only nine actors ever to have won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical twice while being cast as the lead actor.
- Sherie Rene Scott co-founded Sh-K-Boom records which put out the cast recording of the film version of The Last Five Years.
Interesting Facts
- The Last Five Years was inspired by Jason Robert Brown's failed marriage. When the musical was first released his ex-wife threatened legal action as she claimed the story was too close to their relationship. As a result Brown created the song "Shiksa Goddess" and removed "I could be in love with someone like you" to try and reduce the similarities between Cathy and his ex-wife.
- In the film version, when Cathy attends an audition she hands some sheet musical to the pianist who just happens to be Jason Robert Brown!
- The film was shot in 21 days, filmed entirely in New York, Brooklyn and Statten Island
Am Dram Corner
The only reason I know anything about this musical is because I was lucky enough to see my two very talented friends perform it a number of years ago in a tiny theatre. The production was so professional, wonderful and moving and had a lasting impact on me; I still return to their youtube videos to listen to them singing some of the songs so I thought I'd share some of their songs with you too. I'm sure they won't mind!
Warning: This video contains some swearing.
Cathy is fresh into their relationship and still optimistic about their future together.
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The only song in the muscial where Cathy and Jamie sing together. This is the middle of the show and the moment when their relationship story is in sync.
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The strain is starting to show for Jamie as he struggles to keep Cathy positive despite her failed auditions.
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