Quote of the Day: Memories can haunt us. Memories can hurt us. Memories can heal our souls. Luke Peterson, director of The Last Five Years and Artistic Director of Hidden Gem Productions. 

Jamie Marshall as Jamie and Jillian Bader as Cathy in The Last Five Years. Photo: BTE Media

Last night we saw a lovely production of The Last Five Years, written and composed by Jason Robert Brown, at the Phoenix Theater in Minneapolis, MN. It is a co-production between Bunce Performing Arts and Hidden Gem Productions. Luke Peterson is making his Twin Cities directorial debut with this small, intimate show in a small, intimate space with two very talented actors. Cathy (played by Jillian Bader) opens the show with her song “Still Hurting,” at the end of her relationship with Jamie. The next song is Jamie (played by Jamie Marshall) where he sings about the “Shiksa Goddess” that he just met, Cathy, and the start of their relationship. Cathy sings and tells their story from the end to the beginning, while Jamie sings and tells us about their blooming romance until it fades at the end. They each have seven solo numbers, and in the middle they have a lovely duet when their romance is at its peak, they’re getting married, and they are so happy. 

Jillian Bader as Cathy in The Last Five Years. Photo: BTE Media

The beauty of the show is in its storytelling and the gorgeous score composed by Jason Robert Brown. A live pit orchestra, performing behind the backdrop curtain, provides the music: Conductor Sean Barker is on keys, Abbey Roemer on Violin, Elise Butler-Pinkham Cello 1, Bryce Sanville cello 2, Kyle Baker on Guitar, and Janessa Iverson on Bass. The singers and musicians were well balanced. Jamie and Jillian both have gorgeous voices that carried the show and blended so well together. They knew they were singing songs of love and heartbreak, of falling in and out of love, pursuing their dreams, and finding, then losing each other. Luke Peterson added movement to the story that showed how they were always part of each other’s story and songs, moving around each other, stopping in the shadows, or leaving the stage for the other to have their moment.

The Last Five Years is a bittersweet story set to gorgeous music. The Phoenix Theater is located on Hennepin Avenue, right where they are doing construction, so arrive early, check out one of the amazing restaurants nearby where you’ll find free street parking. We enjoyed a delicious meal at Nico’s Taco and Tequila Bar. You can see The Last Five Years at The Phoenix Theater through Sept. 8, 2024. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Write about your first love.