The Last Five Years

The Last Five Years is a song cycle written by Jason Robert Brown, chronicling the 5-year-long relationship between Jamie Wellerstein (Mitchell Goode) and Cathy Hiatt (Hayley Binks). It's a beautifully-written piece (the composer won a Drama Desk for the score, I believe) and it's one of my favourites, so it was with trepidation that I walked into the Studio of the Subi Arts Centre tonight, Thurs 6th Nov. TL5Y is a challenge to stage, as the story runs forward for Jamie (from the couple's first kiss to their inevitable breakup) and backwards for Cathy. The set was simple and effective; three distinct areas kept Jamie and Cathy separate for most of the play, and furthered the idea that both were off in their own little worlds, not quite understanding what the other was going through. It would, however, have been nice to see the stage used a little more. The middle part could quite easily have been used without affecting the other character's "area". Jamie is a highly energetic character and could have done with more room to move - as it was, he seemed to be gesturing a lot to make up for having to stay in the same spot. The lack of movement sometimes made it feel concert-like, as if it was a series of discrete songs rather than a flowing story. Binks characterised failed actress Cathy beautifully, going from jaded, suspicious, confused woman to quirky, lovestruck, ambitious girl with ease. Goode's Jamie was also well-crafted, an energetic young guy who fell upon success a bit too early and was thrust into adulthood before he knew how to deal with it. The vocal talent of both Goode and Binks was very high, and they should be congratulated on their excellent performances. They pulled off an extremely challenging score, injecting humour and pathos into their songs beautifully. Some songs were perhaps a little too reminiscent of the Off-Broadway soundtrack - not a bad thing, although it's nice to see performers making their own stylistic choices - but this is merely a small nitpick and shouldn't take away from the very strong performances by both leads. The setting of each scene was established nicely by use of props or mime. The use of the flower was particularly effective. Speaking of the music, the instrumental ensemble was fantastic - Jason Robert Brown is renowned for his difficult scores and these guys pulled it off perfectly. Kudos to all. Overall, TL5Y is a moving, funny, lovely little production that deserves bigger audiences. It runs until Saturday at the Subi Arts Centre.