Show Description

THE LAST FIVE YEARS is a multi award winning, emotionally powerful and intimate one-act musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. Written by Tony Award winning composer Jason Robert Brown, the show's unconventional structure consists of Cathy (played by Talia Kodesh), a vivacious struggling actress, telling her story backwards while Jamie (played by Niall Griffin), a hotshot up-and-coming novelist, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show. The show has been produced at almost every major regional theatre in the US, and has been seen in Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Germany, Italy, Canada, Spain, the UK, and now South Africa. THE LAST FIVE YEARS (South Africa) is directed by Gina Shmukler, star of Mama Mia and Chess, and is joined by the Musical Theatre industries leading Musical Director, Charl-Johan Lingenfelder. The show stars two of the countries brightest leading actors: Talia Kodesh as Cathy and Niall Griffin as Jamie. With music that elevates the soul to soar, superb scenery and costumes, exquisite lighting and the best of the South African Musical Theatre industry, this show is sure to take your breath away! Do not delay! This multi award winning musical masterpiece has a limited season in Johannesburg and tickets are selling fast!

Show Reviews

“A Musical Masterpiece” – THE CHICAGO SUN

“Hysterical and Heartbreaking” – THE TRIBUNE

“Desperately Beautiful” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

Magnificent microcosm

There have been a number of so-called “boutique” musicals on SA stages in recent times – including compact versions of Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Pirates Of Penzance.

25 March 2012 | BRUCE DENNILL

SHOW: The Last Five Years - There have been a number of so-called “boutique” musicals on SA stages in recent times – including compact versions of Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Pirates Of Penzance.

CAST: Talia Kodesh, Niall Griffin DIRECTOR: Gina Shmukler VENUE: Studio Theatre, Montecasino, until April 22

The Last Five Years – script and songs by Jason Robert Brown – is the real deal in theatrical pocket battleships, though. A two-hander, it requires its leads to sing continuously for an hour and a half, telling a complex story using a very smart mechanism. Brown has structured the piece so that a married couple celebrate, consider and moan about their relationship in equal part with Jamie (Griffin) starting at the beginning of their relationship and working his way to its disintegration and Cathy (Kodesh) beginning in tears and working backwards.

It works brilliantly well, and the foundation provided by Brown’s brilliant songsmithery – memorable tunes increase the impact of some sublime lyrics in highlights such as the edgily hilarious Shiksa Goddess (sung by Jamie) and A Summer In Ohio (sung by Cathy).

The singing by both Kodesh and Griffin is superb, but it’s the quality of their acting that lifts this production above a “merely” excellent revue-style singsong. The set is nearly bare and the stage is tiny, so the actors are often required to be more or less static as they perform.

Both are able to use small gestures and, particularly, facial expressions (Kodesh’s work in this regard in See I’m Smiling is astounding), and the combination of these skills makes the pathos almost unbearable at times (except when you’re laughing). A must-see.

Show Cast

Niall Griffin
Talia Kodesh

Directed By Gina Shmukler
Musical Director: Charl-Johan Lingenfelder

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Past Shows

The Last Five Years

Magnificent microcosm