Fringe Theater opens Hauntingly Beautiful THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Fringe Theater opens Hauntingly Beautiful THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Fringe Theater presents Jason Robert Brown’s award-winning musical The Last Five Years at the Key West Armory, March 19-29 at 7pm. This haunting and poignant story of love and loss takes two distinct looks at one relationship. That concept is reflected in the show’s seating. 

“We’re using an alley-style staging for Last Five Years,” explains the Managing Artistic Director Rebecca Tomlinson. “That means that the audience is divided into two different sections and the stage is placed between them. Literally, there are two sides to this space to reflect the two sides in the play.” 

The play’s storytelling style is also nonlinear. Cathy’s story is told from the point of view of the end of a marriage – she is grappling with Jamie’s departure. But Jamie begins his story with the elation of new opportunity for love with Cathy. The storylines are juxtaposed to highlight a contrasting perspective. Which gives the play a haunting effect since the audience knows before the characters know where the story is going. 

“The playwright/composer Jason Robert Brown talked about the lost narrative of the show,” L5Y director Lauren Thompson explains.  “He felt the show was a comment on how our personal failures and success affect the people around us. Let’s face it, we are selfish creatures by nature. It’s our survival instinct. But marriage requires you to think of the collective and not just the self.”

Jason Robert Brown is a Tony Award winning composer and playwright. His shows feature a trademark dynamic style that is rhythmically and harmonically unconventional — and musically challenging.  His work is often referred to as “a masterpiece.” These trademark styles are the foundation of Brown’s music and lyrics for The Last Five Years.

Starring in the show are Ben Pegg (Jamie) and Claire Caplan (Cathy). Both are popular local singers who are branching out into the world of theater.  “Ben and Claire connected immediately to the music and to each other. Their ability to give life to these characters and the rawness that exists in their performances will make it hard not to be affected,” assures Lauren.

The Last Five Years production team includes Musical Director Roberta Jacyshyn, Lighting Designer Anthony Palmer, and Run Crew Aramis Ikatu and Fritzie Estimond. 

The Last Five Years runs March 19-29 at the Key West Armory. Tickets are $45 and $60 and can be purchased online at www.fringetheater.org or by calling the KeysTix box office at 305-295-7676. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. House opens at 6:30. Show begins at 7pm.

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