BWW Reviews: Bayou City Theatrics' THE LAST 5 YEARS is Beautifully Well-done

It's intimate, poignant and raw. There's only one weekend left to see Bayou City Theatrics' limited engagement of THE LAST 5 YEARS. Created by Jason Robert Brown, with some inspiration from his personal life story, the 2 character musical chronicles the beginning and ending of a young couple's relationship. The characters are not given a chance to be really likeable, but they certainly are understandable.

The interesting thing about THE LAST 5 YEARS is the show's structure. It's mostly sung through with very few snippets of dialogue, and is presented in alternating character viewpoints. First we meet a visibly upset and angry Cathy and her scenes detail the 5 year relationship from its ugly end to its hopeful beginning. Alternatively we have Jamie giddy with fresh love and whose scenes are in reverse order and detail their relationship from chronologically from beginning to end. The characters never interact directly except for a touching scene in the middle in which they come together briefly on the day of their engagement and wedding.

The relationship between Cathy (Hannah Morgen) and Jamie may have been doomed for the start just based on their personalities alone. Cathy, also referred to as a "Shiska Goddess" by Jamie, is a young dreamy eyed aspiring actress and for the most part has been struggling to do much other than summer theatre in Ohio. Quite the opposite of her is Jamie (Colton Berry). Jamie is young like Cathy but there the similarities stop. He is an up and coming novelist encountering tons of success. With a relationship and a promising career under his belt, he has no worries other than attending his next social event. The fulfillment of one and unfulfillment of the other lend to the relationship's demise.

Both actors bring plenty of emotion to their roles as they chronicle their hopes and heartbreak. Morgen's Cathy shows insecurity with her career choice and her relationship as they both start to sink. While Berry presents an optimistic and slightly egotistical Jamie which gives way to a restlessness as he waits for his next success and Cathy's appreciation of it.

THE LAST 5 YEARS is definitely a musical with a sublime score, sensuous melodies and exciting wordplay that is enjoyable for everyone. Morgen and Colton are well matched and beautifully sing their hearts out. They, both soulful and spirited, bring a sophistication to the sordid ordeal of a tormented relationship. The orchestra, under the direction of Jonathan Craft is also excellent. Everything flows seamlessly together and is well matched against their vocals.

Colton Berry's direction and design is clean and clear. The set is quite minimalist with only a changing backdrop and a few props that enter from scene to scene, but the set is percfect against the strength of the music.

At the end, I'm not really sure who to blame for the relationship's failure. It seems to be a case of she said, he said. Seeing both sides only makes me understand the complex situation of two everyday people. They both crave more than the other can give. Perhaps expectation-wise they are both at fault. You will have to come to your own conclusions. With an interesting presentation and a talented cast, THE LAST 5 YEARS is a definite must see.

THE LAST FIVE YEARS is playing a limited engagement at The Kaleidoscope Theatre through September 14th. For tickets and more information please visit http://www.bayoucitytheatrics.com/.

Photo Courtesy of Bayou City Theatrics.