MARQUETTE - Lake Superior Theatre continues its 12th summer season with a charming production in collaboration with Vertigo Theatre Company. Unlike the marriage between the characters in the musical being reviewed, the unity between these two theater companies is a perfect match.
There are two sides to every love story. "The Last Five Years," written by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, is a bittersweet and ingenious musical. Unfolding almost entirely through song, it tells the stories of two New Yorkers as they meet, fall in love, marry, grow apart and separate. The show's unconventional structure is brilliant and consists of Cathy, portrayed by Denise Clark, telling her story backwards, while Jamie, played by Jeff Spencer, tells his story chronologically. They alternate songs, merging for the first and only time in the middle of the show, at their wedding.
To some patrons, "The Last Five Years" will seem to be a modern-day take on the '60s musical "I Do, I Do." But unlike "I Do, I Do," which chronicled a 50-year marriage that - despite downs as well as ups - endured "until death do us part," this love story is more bitter than sweet. 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 the 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.
Just as important as the story is the music in the hands of musical director Dave Williams. He has put together a solid and tuneful group. 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, including pianist Sheila Grazulis, who must be recognized, as well as a guitar, bass, violin and cello, all deliver Brown's filigreed score with clarity. LST has no pit, so the musicians are hidden well upstage from the actors. With the perfect blend from the orchestra it works to create a very personal and elegant experience.
Jackie Love's direction is surehanded with smooth scene-to-scene transitions. The many subtle elements and simple props supporting the two performers give "The Last Five Years" the feel of a real play rather than just two people standing on stage singing. The impact she stages gives way to a marriage going nowhere. To her credit, Love has found two performers who can act as well as sing.
Clark upholds her part with emotion and power. She brings the requisite wistfulness and self-doubt to her role as would-be actress. Her audition for a minor summer stock role, "Climbing Uphill," is nothing short of an amusing star turn. Spencer is in control from start to finish vocally. He carries the demands of his character with precision and panache. It was as if the show was written for him. "The Last Five Years" contains ever-changing rhythms and sudden key shifts. Clark and Spencer are both first rate singers and easily handle that complexity.
The show is an intimate piece and works wonderfully at LST. Jim Pennell has put together a set that is timely in its effect and functional. The set and costumes are striking when put together, for this production and the lighting help us pass the time in season and discovery with ease.
Everyone should take this opportunity to see a little bit of Broadway at the Lake Superior Theatre.
"The Last Five Years" runs through Aug. 1, with a 7:30 p.m. curtain time. Please note this show is rated PG-13 for adult language and content. For more information, including ticket prices, call 227-7625.
Editor's note: Bobby Glenn Brown is a performer, director, theater reviewer and arts advocate.
