Julie Reiber (l) and Paul Anthony Stewart in The Last Five Years at Berkshire Theatre Festival through July 10.
In the Berkshires we are fortunate to have half a dozen writers and critics who rarely have the same take on a show. That was especially true for the Berkshire Theatre Festival’s production of “The Last Five Years” with Julie Reiber and Paul Anthony Stewart. In the mail this morning I found another viewpoint, which speaks well for both that show, and the future of theatre.
7/4: Melanie sent along a second take on this show, having gone back and seen it again. L.M.
My name is Melanie and I’m 14 years old. I’m interested in the theatre and thinking about majoring in Musical Theatre/journalism in college. I have only seen two Off- Broadway Shows and just a handful of regional productions. My parents are not encouraging my dreams/ interest in the theatrical world, so I’m on my own trying to get reduced/free tickets to local shows. ( It’s the old story …my parents think I should be a teacher)
On Saturday, I was lucky enough to secure a free ticket to THE LAST FIVE YEARS. I sat in the orchestra/ back row. I know I’m not a worldly theatre person, but I think we saw different shows. I was not impressed with Mr. Stewart’s “Jamie.” I found my mind wandering whenever he sang. I felt he did not put any of his heart into his songs. His singing voice was nice enough…nothing special to me. I remember thinking, “I think this guy just wanted to spend his summer in the Berkshires.” I get that his songs are extremely long and complicated and we can blame that on the writer….But, I found him and his songs BORING. Sadly, I sit here wondering why I missed his “exuberance.” I took his actions as being inappropriate, weird and dull. It wasn’t until the end of the show, that I saw him express solid emotions. I was thrilled to see him finally perform.
On the other hand, I enjoyed Miss Reiber’s, Cathy. I found her singing voice /outstanding/beautiful/stunning. None of these words really do her voice justice. I don’t like the word…”amazing” (because it is overused) , but, that describes her voice the best. I wanted her to keep singing….and singing and never stop! Miss Reiber’s opening song, “Still Hurting” gave me shivers and goosebumps. That how much it touched my heart. I was in the last row and I know I heard every single word…even in her highest ranges. The sound system does have problems. There was some nasty feedback noise and at times I thought the orchestra played much too loudly. You would think a theatre like BTF would put some $$$$ into a new sound system! I am confused why you would write about not hearing the lyrics in a review….when it may be your own problem? Try one of those hearing devices that the theatre offered? (no disrespect intended) I really enjoyed Miss Reiber’s songs…especially her audition song. I think she dug into her soul to give that song everything she has emotionally. Miss Reiber, also, brought a touch of much needed comedy to the show in that song. I like the way she moved on stage. It was like she was doing a lyrical dance around the stage. I think she might have a dance performance background…probably ballet.
One thing that did bother me were the so called “costumes.” Who wears an unbecoming green dress for “five” years? Miss Reiber should be wearing a 3 piece suit where she can add or remove a piece at appropriate times. Gosh, even I know that at age 14. Her Daisy Mae sweater… didn’t look too Daisy Mae to me, either. ( Get a new costume person ASAP!) I thought it was interesting that “Jamie” took his pants off when he got into bed. When “Cathy” got in bed, she had all of her clothes on. I just thought that was plain …weird! She could have removed her dress and had a full slip under if modesty is the problem. How do I know this stuff….and the director doesn’t??
Rereading your review, I feel you were definitely partial to Mr. Stewart’s performance. Rereading mine, I’m partial to Miss Reiber’s performance. That’s what makes our world go round….differences in opinions! Thank you for your review. Will you see the show again?
Well, if you read this…thank you! I appreciate it. Do I have any talent to be a theatre critic? Only time will tell…..
Sincerely,
Melanie
Early reviews as of 8:00 am, 6/28:
Peter Bergman
Gail M. Burns
Charles Giuliano
My Own
Additional reviews added 6/29:
Michael Eck
Frances Benn Hall
Chris Newbound
Elyse Sommer
