Review: THE LAST FIVE YEARS at Tipping Point Theatre is an Exquisite, Emotional Rollercoaster Ride!

Raw human emotion is something that all theatres hope to achieve when putting on any type production, Tipping Point Theatre did just that with their musical experience of Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years. The emotional and unconventional musical is the intimate telling of relationship of a young couple from beginning to end that weaves all their endearing qualities and flaws in a way that leaves audiences constructing their own opinions on where the relationship went wrong. The audience witnesses Jamie (played by Nick Yocum) and Cathy (played by Angie Kane Ferrante) be human and experience human emotions filled with love, anger, defeat, sadness, opinions, defiance, hope, and more - all told through song. The show is currently playing until March 3rd at the Northville theatre and the exquisite cast is ready to take audiences on an emotional rollercoaster ride.

The Last Five Years could not be performed without an exceptional cast and Tipping Point Theatre's production had just that with Angie Kane Ferrante and Nick Yocum, respectively, in the roles of Cathy and Jamie. Matt Foss, the director, knew this fact and did exactly that with his casting of the performers since they are onstage the entire show. They never once leave the eyes of the audience yet are able to keep them engaged from the moment they appear to the final notes of music are played. There could not be a better duo onstage with chemistry for partners who never interact except for once song and Foss choose wisely with his casting.

Angie Kane Ferrante's Cathy is relatable. She connects with the audience and makes them feel like they are going through her struggles right along with her - whether or not they have been a struggling actress, in a failing relationship, or falling in love for the first time. Kane Ferrante is a singer who has a voice that touches the very soul of every audience member emotionally. She has a powerhouse register that it is beautiful to hear it during Cathy's numbers throughout the show. She emits innocence and vulnerability, yet growth and maturity at the same time as Cathy that makes her character so emotionally connecting to audience through both her singing and acting. Kane Ferrante is joy to watch through the entire performance, even through the moments that are not so joyful for Cathy.

It is difficult not to watch Nick Yocum when he is on stage. His charisma is overflowing and even when he is unlikable as Jamie, you cannot help but feel for him. He also pulls double duty in the show playing guitar with the band during some of Cathy's numbers as well some of his own, which instead of having a guitarist in the band enhances the show by incorporating Yocum's talent into it. It really does not matter what Yocum is doing on stage - acting, singing, dancing, sitting, just being - he is a force you want to watch and he is the perfect embodiment of Jamie.

Having brought up the band while writing about Yocum playing the guitar, it is worth to note that they played an integral part of the show. Bradley Lieto on piano and Ann Marie Jones on violin were, also, on stage the entire show and while they were there to just accompany Cathy and Jamie on their journey, without them the show would not be possible. Both of them are brilliant musicians and their talent was easily seen with how beautiful the music was throughout the entire production.

Tipping Point Theatre's production of The Last Five Years is a production that should not be missed. It is heartfelt, passionate, and filled with every emotion that is imaginable. Angie Kane Ferrante and Nick Yocum give raw and sincere performances that blend so well together and make up the perfect pair as Cathy and Jamie. It is a show worth seeing once, but given the chance, return to this musical at Tipping Point Theatre to see these two performers take you on journey for the perfect emotional rollercoaster ride.

The Last Five Years runs through March 3rd at the Tipping Point Theatre in Northville. For more information and tickets, call 248-347-0003 or visit www.TippingPointTheatre.com.

Connect with Tipping Point Theatre on Twitter at @TPTNorthville, on Instagram at @tippingpointtheatre, and on facebook.com/tippingpointtheatre.

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