CONCERT VERSION OF "THE LAST FIVE YEARS" VISITS ACT GEARY STAGE

A FIVE YEAR RELATIONSHIP

WITH CATHY AND JAMIE

Adam Kantor and Betsy Wolfe, are the stars of the off-Broadway revival of Tony winner Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years, now at ACT - But as you read this the show has moved on - It was only here for three performances. The two leads  reunited for a concert presentation of the musical at the Geary stage. Performances were the weekend of March 28.

Kantor and Wolfe took on the roles of Jamie and Cathy in Jason Robert Brown's muscial back in 2013 at New York's Second Stage Theatre. The story follows the couple through their five-year relationship, with each character moving through time in opposite directions. The musical received its first off-Broadway production in 2002, featuring Norbert Leo Butz and Sherie Rene Scott and the film, with Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick, was released in February 2015 and is easy to see on line.

I wish I could have felt that love on stage but “The Last Five Years” doesn't capture me as it does with most. Its a series nice emo show tunes that don’t add up to a satisfying stage experience. I think one needs more story about the original musical when is was a fresh experience back in 2002.

Cathy and Jamie musical arc traces their five years backwards. Its not easy to track unless we are aware of the relationship.  I did expect more duets, but there's only one in the middle of the story when they both pledge their love. The two then part ways speaking for much of the show on their own.

Mr. Brown’s songs move from light jazz to even Sondheim ish for a comic number about a Jewish tailor that Jamie sings to cheer up Cathy one Christmas.  One of the show’s most appealing passages is a series of scenes in which Cathy auditions — and auditions and auditions — for roles that she fails to get.

Because the two leads rarely  interact onstage, the musical takes on a he-said, she-said quality that can be frustrating.  The cast album and amateur and professional productions over the years the show has become a cult favorite for aspiring musical-theater performers, and many YouTube actors love to post song vids.

This concert version is very sparse - a small set of musicians on stage under the direction of James Sampliner. Mic stands and stools for the two leads. Between songs the two drink bottled water and hot tea. Betsy and Adam are very talented - and easily win over the fans of this musical.

The Last Five Years

Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown

A musical in concert, starring Adam Kantor and Betsy Wolfe

Three performances only!

March 27, 8 p.m. & March 28, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

A.C.T.'s Geary Theater