Theatre Royal Haymarket Hosts Notes from New York Fifth Anniversary Gala Starring Atherton and Spicer.
Julie Atherton and Paul Spicer share the stage at the prestigious Theatre Royal Haymarket for one night only on Sunday 12 October 2008 in an unprecedented gala staging of Jason Robert Brown's THE LAST 5 YEARS. Celebrating the fifth anniversary of the West End's Notes from New York series, this much anticipated theatrical event brings the concept full circle to the work of one of the composers with whom it all began.
Creative tensions combine with complexities of the heart in this emotionally wrought and unequivocally moving song cycle. Newly published novelist Jamie and aspiring actress Cathy tell the tale of their raw and impassioned relationship in opposite directions and from destructively differing standpoints. Unique in structure yet familiar in its universally resounding themes, this celebrated two-hander reminds us it's possible to feel claustrophobically close to and yet worlds apart from the one you hold closest to your heart.
Julie Atherton, an associate artist of the Notes from New York series, played the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in the West End production of
Avenue Q. Prior to The Last 5 Years, she will appear in Once Upon a Time at the Adelphi at the Liverpool Playhouse and A Spoonful of Stiles & Drewe at Her Majesty's Theatre in the West End. Her previous credits include the roles of Sophie in Mamma Mia and Serena in Fame and her solo album, A Girl of Few Words, is one of the most popular musical theatre releases of recent years.
Paul Spicer, also an associate artist of the Notes from New York series as well as its co-founder, is currently starring as Tobias in a brand new staging of
Stephen Sondheim's
Sweeney Todd at the Gothenburg Opera in Sweden. His previous West End credits include the roles of Michael in The Witches of Eastwick and Billy in
Boy George's Taboo. His UK tour credits include Fame, Saturday Night Fever and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and he recently returned from completing a year-long contract in the international tour of Mamma Mia.
The Last 5 Years received its world première at the Northlight Theatre in Chicago in 2001, starring
Lauren Kennedy and
Norbert Leo Butz. It was subsequently produced Off Broadway at the Minetta Lane Theatre in 2002, starring Sherie Rene Scott and
Norbert Leo Butz. It received its UK première at the Menier Chocolate Factory in 2006 and returns to London for one night only in this gala staging.
Jason Robert Brown's Parade recently received its UK première in a critically acclaimed production at the Donmar Warehouse. His other work includes Songs for a New World and his most recent musical 13, which will soon open in New York.
Notes from New York started life in 2003. Its purpose is to present the work of contemporary musical theatre composers in the West End. Initially focusing on the work of US composers, it has more recently explored avenues closer to home. Following five presentations of material from the other side of the pond, the company presented Not(es) from New York, featuring the music of British composers Charles Miller and
Grant Olding and created a unique seasonal show entitled Christmas in New York, which received its world premiere in December 2006 and was revived in December 2007. It most recently presented Notes in Heels featuring the work of a selection of female composers from New York and now celebrates The Last 5 Years.
For further information on The Last 5 Years and to book, call 0845 481 1870 or visit www.thelast5years.com
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