Stumptown StagesMay 30 - June 28, 2008
Review by peanutduck
Final performance
A problematic, mediocre musical - lyrically, musically, structurally - made semi-enjoyable in this production by Wheatley’s pure, earnest voice. Johannes, who occasionally sings with an odd country twang, lacks spark or humanity (even as ‘Schmuel’) until three-quarters in. The set is distractingly flimsy, and silly-couple projections incongruent with relationship’s de-evolution/evolution.
7 comments:
The Last Five Years a musical by Jason Robert Brown,is playing at the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center 5340 N. Interstate. Tickets may be purchased on line at stumptownstages.com or by calling the boxoffice at 503-381-8686.
The Last Five Years opens May 30 and runs through June 28 on Friday and Saturday,Curtain 8:00 and on Sundays at 2:00
The musical features the beautiful talents of Sara Catherine Wheatley as "Cathy" and Dale Johannes as "Jamie". Musical theatre fans will especially enjoy this show.
When I realized most other people on opening night had tears streaming down their faces by the end, I didn't feel so self-conscious for crying myself. It may be the most beautiful and intimate show I've seen in years. Thank you Kirk Mouser!
This is the MOST beautiful score. Great singing and lush strings and orchestra. You WANT to see/hear this piece by JR Brown. Even if you know the relationship to doomed, the cleverly written music pulls you though to the end. Never a dull moment! Bravo!
I attended yesterday's matinee
and was really impressed with the talent. Sara Catherine Wheatley and
Dale Johnannes are New York caliber actor/singers. They were so
believable as a husband and wife exploring their broken marriage from opposite points of view. Kirk Mouser made an excellent choice to bring this show to Portland's attention.
It was a shame that yesterday's performance, which had reviewers from both Willamette Week and the Oregonian in attendance, had a small audience of only 15 people. Dale and Sara really deserve a full house.
I encourage you to go see it. You won't be disappointed.
I went to see this show (OK was dragged by my wife) this weekend. WOW, it was really good. I love the small theater and the music was great.
The guy who played Jamie had both my wife and I in tears and he could flat out sing! (also made us appreciate our marriage). The girl had such an amazing voice. These two actors were outstanding and must have been exhausted by the end.
We usually see the shows at the Keller but this was a much more enjoyable experience. Thanks for a great night out. We will be back with friends next time!
Some bloggers commented on Stumptown's past sound issues, but this was so clear you could hear Jamie eating his chips over Kathy's phone call.
Just wanted to say THANKS to the folks involved with this show. I was in town from Vegas with my famliy and we saw the production Saturday. We have seen 3 different productions of The Last Five Years and this was by far the best. Top notch talent and the actors we so nice to spend time talking with my family and answering my daughters questions. Everyone was so nice and it was the highlight of our weekend trip. Thanks to all. My daughter will never forget the show, the cast and the experience.
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