Post by Talissa on Apr 27, 2003 9:31:21 GMT 11
The Last Five Years is the story of Jamie and Cathy's five year relationship/marriage. Jamie tells his side of the story from the first date onwards, while Cathy tells hers from the present day backwards to their first meeting
This being the first time I'd ever been to see a musical without having had at least heard some of the music beforehand, I was a bit wary about the whole thing, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Amanda Levy and Tim Wright, the stars and cast of the play, drew us into their story skillfully, even with the minimal set and props.
Amanda Levy is a talented actress, but some movements seemed a bit frantic. This was appropriate for the desparation at the end of the relationship, but a bit odd-looking for the early stages. A powerful voice, though some words were lost, and at a couple of points I was concerned about her belting. In general, though, well sung.
Tim Wright gave an excellent performance vocally, especially for someone with little previous musical experience. Some scenes seemed slightly indecisive, but overall, a very moving performance.
The show itself is very cleverly written. I'd had my doubts as to whether a show in which time runs in both directions would work, but was more than reassured. A very modern-style musical, but no less enjoyable to watch for it. Invocations of emotions were well-timed, and kept the audience's empathy with Cathy and Jamie strong. Even through the humour, the grief of the relationship was always present. The scenes in which both actors are present are especially powerful, seeing the monologue nature of the rest of the play, and serve to represent first their unity, then their distance.
I've also written about most of the individual songs, but I won't include that. I'll just say that I loved "Climbing Uphill," which is about Cathy's auditioning process. At one point, she sings a line of her song, freezes, and is singing her thoughts at the time "Why does the pianist hate me? Why are they looking at my resume? Don't look at my resume. I made half of that up..." I think that would be relatable for anyone who's ever done an audition, and I'm almost tempted to use it for an audition myself *g*
~Julia
This being the first time I'd ever been to see a musical without having had at least heard some of the music beforehand, I was a bit wary about the whole thing, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Amanda Levy and Tim Wright, the stars and cast of the play, drew us into their story skillfully, even with the minimal set and props.
Amanda Levy is a talented actress, but some movements seemed a bit frantic. This was appropriate for the desparation at the end of the relationship, but a bit odd-looking for the early stages. A powerful voice, though some words were lost, and at a couple of points I was concerned about her belting. In general, though, well sung.
Tim Wright gave an excellent performance vocally, especially for someone with little previous musical experience. Some scenes seemed slightly indecisive, but overall, a very moving performance.
The show itself is very cleverly written. I'd had my doubts as to whether a show in which time runs in both directions would work, but was more than reassured. A very modern-style musical, but no less enjoyable to watch for it. Invocations of emotions were well-timed, and kept the audience's empathy with Cathy and Jamie strong. Even through the humour, the grief of the relationship was always present. The scenes in which both actors are present are especially powerful, seeing the monologue nature of the rest of the play, and serve to represent first their unity, then their distance.
I've also written about most of the individual songs, but I won't include that. I'll just say that I loved "Climbing Uphill," which is about Cathy's auditioning process. At one point, she sings a line of her song, freezes, and is singing her thoughts at the time "Why does the pianist hate me? Why are they looking at my resume? Don't look at my resume. I made half of that up..." I think that would be relatable for anyone who's ever done an audition, and I'm almost tempted to use it for an audition myself *g*
~Julia