BWW Blog: Jessica Gould - A Show Like No Other: Short North Stage's THE LAST FIVE YEARS

The Last Five Years is one of the most creative concepts for a musical I have ever seen. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to see this amazing show presented by the Short North Stage celebrating their fifth year since the start of this production company.

This musical is about Jamie, a novelist, Cathy, a struggling actress, and their five year relationship. It is shown in the perspectives of the two characters. Cathy tells it in reverse chronological order, while Jamie starts at the beginning of their relationship.

The cast only consists of the two main characters, Cathy and Jamie, and Melissa Hall and Jarrad Biron Green fit those roles perfectly. Their singing was fantastic, which is crucial to their parts. The show consists of the two taking turns singing songs, therefore it is important that the actors cast as these characters can sing well. Melissa and Jarrad greatly exceeded that need.

The Last Five Years was held in the main theatre, except the audience sat on either side of the stage while the actors performed in the center. It provided a more intimate and up close experience. I was also impressed with how in sync the music and lighting cues were.

The score by Jason Robert Brown is absolutely spectacular. I recommend that you go see this unique show because there is no other musical like it. It might even make you shed a tear at the end!

They have one last weekend of performances. Go to http://www.shortnorthstage.org/calendar/v/535 to purchase tickets.

Photo Credit: Jerri Shafer