5 YEAR ITCH
It’s often said the greatest art is art created by a broken heart. And by all accounts Tony award winning composer Jason Robert Brown has struck gold with his beautiful, witty yet heart-wrenching musical The Last Five Years. Starring local actors/performers Brendan Hanson and Sharon Wisniewski – and directed by Belinda Dunbar – The Last Five Years is the story of New York couple Jamie and Cathy, and charts the inception, evolution and eventual dissolution of their relationship over a five year period.
In a clever twist, Jamie’s story starts at the beginning of the relationship and Cathy’s at the end, charting the growth and demise of their love both from beginning and end. Having launched his career in musical theatre, Brendan Hanson left the genre in 2002 after “having played every character I ever wanted to play” to pursue more serious acting work. But, as he explains, when the script for The Last Five Years landed on his desk it was time to make his return.
“It’s such a beautiful story and so well written,” Hanson explains. “So when it came across my desk I got very excited. It’s the story – you get to spend an evening with, and get to know, these two people. There’s a development and exposition for the characters that goes beyond the usual veneer of musical theatre. It’s clever without being conceited. It’s genuine and honest; the people are flawed, but they are engaging. People will identify with both of the characters for their successes and failures.”
The Last Five Years plays DownStairs At The Maj from Tuesday, May 18, to Saturday, May 29, at 7.30pm. Tickets through bocsticketing.com.au.
