The Last Five Years
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The Last Five Years Summary
- Show Status: Opening Soon
- Genre: Musical
- The Last Five Years is 90 minutes long, and does not have an intermission.
- 8 Shows per week
- Previews Begin: March 18, 2025
- Show Opens : April 6, 2025
- Show Closes: June 22, 2025
Chronicles the five-year relationship between a struggling actress and a successful writer. Their story is uniquely told from opposite timelines: One starts at the end of their marriage, while the other begins at their first meeting.
What's The Last Five Years Like?
The Last Five Years is a poignant and innovative musical that explores the five-year relationship between Cathy Hiatt, an aspiring actress, and Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist.
The Show Uses Opposite Timelines
The narrative is uniquely structured with two opposing timelines: Cathy recounts their relationship from the end to the beginning, while Jamie narrates from the beginning to the end. Their stories intersect only once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.
Cathy's journey starts with heartbreak and moves backward through the dissolution of their marriage, highlighting her struggles with her career and feelings of inadequacy. Jamie's perspective, on the other hand, begins with the excitement of new love and follows his rise to literary fame, which eventually creates a rift between them.
Love, Ambition, and Relationships
The musical poignantly captures the highs and lows of love, ambition, and the complexities of relationships, all conveyed through an emotionally charged and musically diverse score. The show resonates with audiences due to its relatable themes of love, ambition, and the passage of time, solidifying its place as a modern classic in musical theater.
Is The Last Five Years Good for Kids?
The show is not intended for children and the show is appropriate for 16 and above.
The Last Five Years on Broadway Background
"The Last Five Years" is a musical written by Jason Robert Brown, who also composed the music and lyrics.
The show premiered in 2001 at Northlight Theatre in Skokie, Illinois, before moving to Off-Broadway in March 2002 at the Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City. It gained critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling and emotional depth.
Based on Jason Robert Brown's Own Failed Marriage
The musical is partially inspired by Brown's own experiences, particularly his failed marriage to Theresa O'Neill. This personal connection adds an authentic and heartfelt layer to the narrative.
The unique structure of the show, with Cathy and Jamie's stories being told in reverse chronological order and chronological order respectively, was praised for its originality and effectiveness in portraying the different perspectives within a relationship.
Numerous Productions Worldwide
Since its premiere, the show has enjoyed numerous productions worldwide, becoming a favorite among regional theaters and universities. Its popularity also led to a film adaptation released in 2014, starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan.
The notable productions where the show has appeared include:
- Northlight Theatre - Skokie, Illinois (2001 premiere)
- Minetta Lane Theatre - Off-Broadway, New York City (2002)
- Menier Chocolate Factory - London, UK (2006)
- Theatre Royal, Sydney - Sydney, Australia (2006)
- Apollo Theatre - Chicago, Illinois (2008)
- TheatreWorks - Palo Alto, California (2010)
- Southwark Playhouse - London, UK (2011)
- St. James Theatre - London, UK (2016)
- Signature Theatre - Arlington, Virginia (2016)
- Other Palace - London, UK (2020)
Show Blends Various Musical Styles
The show's music is a blend of various styles, including pop, jazz, and classical, showcasing Brown's versatility as a composer. Songs like "Still Hurting," "Shiksa Goddess," "The Next Ten Minutes," and "Goodbye Until Tomorrow" have become well-loved standards in the musical theater repertoire.
Notable Past Cast Members
Off-Broadway (2002)
- Sherie Rene Scott as Cathy Hiatt
- Norbert Leo Butz as Jamie Wellerstein
London (Menier Chocolate Factory, 2006)
- Lara Pulver as Cathy Hiatt
- Damian Humbley as Jamie Wellerstein
Film Adaptation (2014)
- Anna Kendrick as Cathy Hiatt
- Jeremy Jordan as Jamie Wellerstein
Off-Broadway Revival (Second Stage Theatre, 2013)
- Betsy Wolfe as Cathy Hiatt
- Adam Kantor as Jamie Wellerstein
London (St. James Theatre, 2016)
- Samantha Barks as Cathy Hiatt
- Jonathan Bailey as Jamie Wellerstein
London (Other Palace, 2020)
- Molly Lynch as Cathy Hiatt
- Oli Higginson as Jamie Wellerstein
Signature Theatre (2016)
- Erin Weaver as Cathy Hiatt
- James Gardiner as Jamie Wellerstein
Theatre Information
Hudson Theatre
145 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
New York, NY 10036
Seats:
970
Entrance:
44th Street Between 7th Ave and 6th Ave
Theatre
Information
Cast Members
- Jamie Wellerstein
- Nick Jonas
- Cathy Hiatt
- Adrienne Warren
Producers
Lauren Versel
Kurt Deutsch
Richard LaGravenese
Janice Beard
Mickey Barold
Production Credits
- Director
- Whitney White
Creative Team
- Playwright
- Jason Robert Brown
- Music and Lyrics
- Jason Robert Brown