“The Last Five Years”

Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown, directed by  Domenic Mico, at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, until March 24.

Reviewed by Bill Stephens

THOUGH certainly not the first Canberra production, as claimed in the program, Domenic Mico’s stylish presentation of this clever and sophisticated contemporary mini-musical, provides an absorbing and satisfying evening of theatre.

Written in 2001, “The Last Five Years” charts the breakdown of a five-year relationship between budding novelist, Jamie (Simon Stone) and struggling actress, Cathy (Claire Watson).

Told through a series of cleverly constructed, finely observed songs, each telling its own story, the show plays like an intriguing jig-saw. It makes significant demands on audience attention because of the device of having Cathy and Jamie tell their stories from chronologically opposing directions.

Cathy begins hers at the end of the relationship and works backward, while Jamie commences when they first meet and works forward.  This is even more brow-knitting in this production because of some directorial interpolations which tend to muddy rather than clarify.

Claire Watson gives a particularly appealing performance as Cathy.  Her clear, sweet soprano and impressive acting range allow her to quickly engage the attention of the audience and easily negotiate the complexities of the songs.

Simon Stone is also vocally impressive, but needs to inject more colour and energy into his acting to convince as the young upwardly-mobile writer.

Enhanced by Thompson Quan Wing’s uncluttered, visually-pleasing setting and Casey White’s excellent on-stage orchestra, this production is a must for music-theatre enthusiasts.