Elegant production for BTF’s musical “The Last Five Years”

Julie Reiber and Paul Anthony Stewart in The Last Five Years at the Berkshire Theatre Festival

The history of Jason Robert Brown’s 90 minute one act musical The Last Five Years followed a path as difficult as that of the two lovers portrayed in the story. That’s because it is based on real life, his own, and portrayed the twisted and raw emotions of his relationship so convincingly that his ex-wife Theresa O’Neill, sued him. The threatened lawsuit caused him to drop the most wonderful song in the show, “I could be in love with someone like you” Happily this gem can still be found on YouTube. It was replaced with “Shiksa Goddess” which is almost as wonderful.

There’s more to this story, but first a few details about the upcoming production of The Last Five Years at Berkshire Theatre Festival. The production, in rehearsal now, runs on the historic BTF Main Stage from June 22 to July 10. It promises to be a delight.

Anders Cato (l) welcomes the cast and crew to Berkshire Theatre Festival.

One reason is that the BTF is a “theatre company for directors” as Kate Maguire, Artistic Director, likes to put it. Anders Cato, who to date has directed mostly dramas for the Festival, takes the helm for this musical.

Julie Reiber and Paul Anthony Stewart star as Cathy and Jamie. One of Cato’s strengths is in his ability to collaborate with the actors to find riveting on-stage characterizations, and in this show, the company has some rich material to draw on.

First, some behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage:

The musical tells the tale of a modern romance between two artists, novelist Jamie Wellerstein and actress Catherine Hiatt. The twist comes from how the story unfolds, Cathy reliving the relationship from the end to the beginning while Jamie moves through the partnership from beginning to end. Meeting only briefly in the middle of the play, the musical is by turns haunting, spellbinding and utterly charming.

Julie and Paul listen raptly to director, Anders Cato.

Just as important as the story is the music and that will be in the hands of Musical Director Rick Bertone. The lyrics are clearly heartfelt, while the music itself is a blend of classical, pop and jazz, with bits of klezmer, Latin, folk and rock clearly integrated.

For this production, a quintet of musicians will perform – a piano, guitar, bass, violin and cello, The only difference between this production and the original is that the celli will not be doubled. Since the Main Stage of the BTF has no pit, the musicians will be visible onstage, though well upstage from the actors. This is the standard setup for the show, and it works to create a very personal and elegant experience.

The result of the time twist and contemporary score is an intimate chronicle of a modern relationship from the first thrilling meeting through the struggles of married life. Fueled by the energy, passion, and humor of Brown’s unique melodies, The Last Five Years promises to be a fresh look at the classic story of two people engaged in the universal struggle for love.

Anders Cato was the director responsible for Talley’s Folly, the show recently rated the “Show of the Decade” by the Berkshire Eagle. Anders Cato is renowned for his detailed work with characters and relationships, generating truly intimate theatrical experiences.  This will be Anders’s fifteenth BTF production, previous credits include Texts for Nothing, Miss Julie, Heartbreak House, The Misanthrope, The Father, American Buffalo, The Night of the Iguana, Via Dolorosa, Love! Valour! Compassion!, Mrs. Warren’s Profession, Candida, Waiting for Godot. He previously worked with Mr. Stewart on Crime and Punishment at the Cleveland Playhouse. He has worked extensively in New York, London, and regionally.

Julie Reiber is making her BTF debut.  She has performed the role of Elphaba over 100 times in the Broadway and L.A. companies of Wicked.  She was also seen on Broadway in All Shook Up and BKLYN.  Tours include Rent,BKLYN and The Korean Concert Tour of Jekyll and Hyde. Regional favorites include Rose Stopnick in The Guthrie Theatre’s production of Caroline or Change, Amneris in AIDA and Woman 1 in Songs for a New World. Julie is also a singer/songwriter and is in production for her debut album, to release this fall.

Paul Anthony Stewart is also making his BTF debut.  He has been seen on Broadway as Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof and as Christian in Cyrano-The Musical. Additional New York credits include: Dreyfus In Rehearsal, NYMF’s She Can’t Believe She Said That, NYMF’s The Man Who Would Be King, City Of Dreams, Playing With Fire, Until Day Breaks, Rivalry Of Dolls, and White Water.  He was on TV’s Guiding Light for eleven seasons, earning an Emmy nomination.

Performance and Ticket Information: The Last Five Years begins previews on June 22, opens on June 26 and closes July 10. from Season passes to either the Main Stage or the Unicorn are still available. Contact the BTF Box Office at 413-298-5576 or visit www.berkshiretheatre.org for more information. Single tickets for all Main Stage and Unicorn productions are on sale as well. Contact the Box Office for more details. All plays, schedules, casting, and prices are subject to change.