Town Full of Artists Will Relate to Nashville Rep's THE LAST FIVE YEARS

This tale of two artists passionately in love while also tearing each other apart isn't literally set in Nashville. But in a town full of artists, Nashvillians will relate to a story about the intensity of a couple's romantic love colliding with the destiny of unequal professional success.

Jason Robert Brown won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics in 2002 for The Last Five Years when it was produced Off-Broadway. Loosely based on his previous marriage, this genuinely unique musical tells of a couple's five-year relationship from beginning to end and from end to beginning at the same time. Cathy's account starts with her final good-bye, while Jamie's begins with the delight of meeting her. Masterfully laid out through songs both touching and light-hearted, the young couple's bright, exuberant relationship grows unstable as the accolades and attention Jamie receives as an author greatly overshadow the professional disappointments Cathy encounters as an actress.

After leading the music in Nashville Rep's recent hit, Chicago, Jason Tucker will direct The Last Five Years. "I had a great time music-directing Chicago," says Tucker. "A big band playing multiple eras of swing and jazz always gets the blood pumping. But the great thing about musical theater is that my blood can pump just as hard for two intimate singers and a small string combo. The Last Five Years is built with exquisite songs, and when you add our two phenomenal actor/singers coupled with some of Nashville's finest musicians this show will get everyone's blood pumping just as effectively."

Two actors new to Nashville Rep will take the stage for The Last Five Years: Galen Crawley as "Cathy" and Seth Lieber as "Jamie." Between the two of them they have over 30 musicals under their belts, and the Rep is thrilled to introduce them to Nashville audiences.

The production will be directed by Jason Tucker. Designers are Gary C. Hoff (Scenic Designer), Hannah Schmidt (Costume Designer), Evelyn Pearson Thornhill (Props Designer), Randy Craft (Sound Designer), and Phillip Franck (Lighting Designer).

The show runs September 10 - 24 in Johnson Theater at Tennessee Performing Arts Center located at 505 Deaderick Street in downtown Nashville. Preview performances are September 8 - 9.

All ticket-holders to opening night of The Last Five Years will also receive an invitation to Opening Night Drinks, which includes complimentary parking immediately across from TPAC in Nashville City Center, pre-show cocktails with light bites at Waller on the 27th floor, and a great view, weather permitting. Previously a paid event, thanks to Waller, the Rep invites first night ticket-holders to Opening Night Drinks to celebrate the season opener with easy parking and refreshments before the show. Reservations are required.

Tickets are $25 for previews and start at $45 for regular run. Tickets can be purchased online at nashvillerep.org or by calling the Box Office at 615-782-4040.

Nashville Rep is a non-profit theatre creating classic and Contemporary Theatre for Nashville that inspires empathy and prods intellectual and emotional engagement in audiences. The 2016-17 season of shows includes The Last Five Years, Noises Off, A Christmas Story, Posterity, and A Raisin in the Sun.

Pictured: Galen Crawley and Seth Lieber. Photo by Shane Burkeen.