The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol to Stage THE LAST FIVE YEARS

This month, The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol (806 San Marino Drive, The Villages, FL) will continue its inaugural season with the musical The Last 5 Years, composed by three-time Tony Award winner, Jason Robert Brown.

This intimate two-character musical simultaneously tells the story of a New York couple's budding romance and dissolving marriage. The narrative follows two timelines: Jaime's story runs in chronological order while Cathy's story is told in reverse. Watch these two very talented and ambitious artists as they try to navigate the treacherous paths of marriage, an artistic career, and New York City. The Last 5 Years is a Drama Desk award winning musical once named by Time Magazine as one of the ten best shows of the year.

Playing the lead role of Cathy Hiatt is Whitney Morse, who also doubles as The Studio Theatre's Artistic Director. Morse also starred in Next to Normal as Diana Goodman, of which, reviewer Kelly Kleiman for Dueling Critics praised Morse's Chicago run, "The performance (and especially the singing) of Whitney Morse as Diana, suggests much bigger things in her future: she's rueful but free of self-pity, funny without resorting to stereotype, and all-around engaging." Angela Allyn for Chicago Stage Standard hailed, "Whitney Morse gives a tour de force performance." While playing the role of Diana at The Studio many local accolades were given to Morse's performance. Terry Lockwood Livingston-Baker said, "Whitney's lead worthy of Broadway's best reviews." J. Scott Berry gushed, "Whitney Morse is absolutely amazing."

Portraying the other principle character, Jamie Wellerstein, is Brian Zealand. Already a fan favorite at The Studio Theatre, Zealand just wrapped up Dan Goodman in Next to Normal and is currently on the stage as Elyot Chase in Private Lives. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Brian Zealand has been seen on stages across the nation. After studying at the University of South Dakota, BrIan Went back to Omaha where he performed at the Blue Barn Theatre (Mike/33 Variations, Georg/Spring Awakening, Peter/Bug), the Omaha Community Playhouse (Ash/Evil Dead The Musical), and toured with the Nebraska Theatre Caravan's production of A Christmas Carol as Jacob Marley. Zealand will now play the young and talented rising novelist, Jamie, a character based on Brown's own life.

The creative team features Director Trevin Cooper, Musical Director Gary Powell, Set Designer Kenneth Constant, Technical Director Preston Speaker, Lighting Designer Dan Hopper, Costume Designer Seth Stelly, Associate Lighting Designer Weston Cory, Sound Designer Eric Mielke, Production Manager Heather Ard, and Stage Manager Abigale Bobb. The Understudy for Cathy will be Orlando based-actress, Lauren Culver, while Tampa actor, Scotty Tomas will understudy for Jamie.

IF YOU GO:

The Last 5 Years
by Jason Robert Brown

At The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol, 806 San Marino Dr. The Villages, FL
February 20 - March 19, 2017
*NOW WITH ADDED MATINEES: March 3rd, 4th, & 10th @ 2pm

Tickets: www.TheSharonStudio.com | (352) 751-7799
Price: $15 previews, | $30 performances

The Studio Theatre's Mission is to inspire the residents of Central Florida to examine relevant issues by elevating them through innovative and intimate storytelling. Think outside the box, inside the box.

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