The revival of Jason Robert Brown’s beloved musical “The Last Five Years” has arrived on Broadway, starring pop sensation Nick Jonas and Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren. Directed by Whitney White, the production at the Hudson Theatre aims to bring new life to the tumultuous story of a young couple’s relationship. The show’s unique structure, with Jamie telling his story chronologically and Cathy narrating hers in reverse, creates a compelling exploration of love and loss.
Warren’s portrayal of Cathy captures a struggling actress’s raw frustration and longing, making her journey through soul-crushing auditions relatable and emotionally resonant. Jonas, playing Jamie, delivers a decent performance, particularly in the more pop-inflected numbers. However, his portrayal sometimes fails to convey the character’s complexity and depth, making parts of the narrative one-sided.
The revival’s strength lies in its ability to balance visual aesthetics with the emotional highs and lows of the characters’ stories. Stacey Derosier’s lighting creates a visually compelling atmosphere, while the expanded orchestrations, led by music director Tom Murray, bring new life to Brown’s score.
A fresh take on relationships
Despite some imbalances in the performances and staging, the production captures the essence of Brown’s work, with its emotional intensity and lyrical nuance resonating throughout. Warren’s standout performance becomes the show’s heart, even if Jonas’s portrayal doesn’t match up. For fans and newcomers alike, this revival is a testament to the staying power of Brown’s intimate musical.
It’s a story about two people who desperately want to be together but ultimately can’t, depicted with sincerity and heart. As audiences experience the joys and heartbreaks of Cathy and Jamie’s relationship, they may reflect on their own experiences with love and loss. The show’s themes of personal ambition, the challenges of balancing career and relationships, and the pain of a love that doesn’t last forever are universally relatable.
While the production may not be perfect, it offers a chance to revisit a beloved work and experience the emotional journey of two characters whose stories are forever intertwined. “The Last Five Years” continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the power of love, the pain of heartbreak, and the resilience of the human spirit.
