02/02/2022
The review is in for 'The Last Five Years'! Book now - don't miss this exceptional show!
"One not to miss" "I could go on (a lot!), but ... you will have to come and see the show for yourselves."
"Last night I had the pleasure of reviewing the opening night of ‘The Last Five Years’. Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown, Directed by Ella Thomas, and put on by South Canterbury Drama League.
The show runs through to Saturday 5th February.
An interesting twist on a classic life/love story of boy meets girl, marries, life journey, struggle of ‘tug of war’, career versus life commitments, and the parting of ways.
The interesting thing about ‘The Last Five Years’ was in the ex*****on. It was not a regular chronological event, but an actual ‘tug of war’ with Cathy Hiatt (Ali Diamond) opening at the end of their marriage, and Jamie Wellerstein (Cameron Lines) commencing at the beginning of their romantic journey.
The programme synopsis certainly helped to clarify the story if one was confused, which was not the case here.
A contemporary musical theatre-based style, minus the chorus line, allowed for the dramatic darkness, tension, and at relevant times, flippant light heartedness to come to the attention of the audience. One would think a two person show would be a bit of a struggle to keep the audience's attention, certainly not so in this case.
The fusing of all aspects, lighting, props, stage setting, use of floor, and the strong, expressive characters, acting and singing from Cathy and Jamie, kept the audience engaged and focused throughout the show.
Clear effective lighting reflected the conflicting emotions each character was going through.
Each step of their journey is reiterated by the lyrics and subtleties in their facial and body language.
Those subtleties and at times, not so subtle strategic references for example, Jamie's wedding band on top of the piano in Cathy’s opening scene, to Jamie’s removal and placement of the wedding band on top of the piano in his closing scene, were ‘The Last Five Years’ one of many connections successfully executed across the story.
Mood and emotions are always a winner to keep the audience on their toes, and this is reflected in subtle colour costume choices. Speaking of costume changes, how on earth those two managed to go through so many, would make one's head spin!
Effective stage placement/proximity of characters had a negative and a positive side gauging where each character was emotionally.
The midpoint, the wedding, placed at centre stage reiterated where each character took a turn in their relationship journey.
The emotional tug of war of ‘who to back’ on this journey of love out of love, was a difficult one, and added depth to the story. The show highlighted nothing is a straight right or wrong in the world of relationships, and is a refreshing unique turn from traditional musical theatre love stories.
I could go on (a lot!), but I do not want to take away the actions and choices Jamie and Cathy make during their tumultuous journey, you will have to come and see the show for yourselves.
The production was successful in its ex*****on, held together by all drama elements that make up a show, particularly the diverse and capable actors that could hold the audience to the end.
Ali Diamond’s malleable voice was a treat to be heard, along with Cameron Lines’ expressive characterisation and kept one on tenterhooks to where this story was going (even though we knew!). Was the Last Five Years worth going to see?
I think you may have gathered from what I have just mentioned it certainly was.
One who likes intermission, I certainly did not mind there not being one, the tempo of the show was kept in a fluid, cohesive manner.
Interesting structure, the tug of war on various levels kept this audience member appreciative to the professionalism showcased at the Drama League last night.
One not to miss!"
L Parcel
Event Design and Production Special Events Aoraki Ltd has delivered over 200 events throughout New Zealand.
