‘The Last Five Years’

Musical explores the ups and downs of a couple’s marriage over five years

When the Chattanooga Theatre Centre opens “The Last Five Years” on Friday, Oct. 19, audiences will see the five-year life of a relationship from beginning to end — or from end to beginning, depending on which one of the couple is speaking.

Written by Tony Award- winning lyricist Jason Robert Brown, this intimate musical follows two 20- something New Yorkers who meet, fall in love, marry and divorce over the span of five years. What makes this production unique is its unconventional structure, with the story told from both perspectives, but moving in opposite directions.

Jamie, an up-and-coming novelist, tells their story chronologically, starting with their infatuation and following through to their breakup. Struggling actress Cathy relates their story in reverse — starting with the end of the marriage and moving backward to their first meeting.

It is only in the middle of the show that Jamie and Cathy’s narrations come together — at their wedding.

With the story told almost entirely through song, the music — mostly solos — is alternately humorous and heartfelt.

The Theatre Centre production will be staged in the Mildred Montague Circle Theatre. Directed by Garry Lee Posey with choreography by the Pop- up Project, the CTC has opted to introduce dance to tell the unspoken parts of the story.

Jordan Otis, whom CTC audiences saw as Belle in last season’s “Beauty and the Beast,” appears as Cathy. John Thomas Cecil makes his CTC debut as Jamie. Portraying the characters through dance are Jessi Faircloth and Kyle Dagnan.

An onstage band of two cellos, a violin, guitar and bass will join music director Tim Hinck on piano.

A free dance party featuring the Pop-up Project, with a signature drink, snacks and cash bar, will be held onstage immediately after the Friday, Oct. 26, performance.

Tickets may be purchased at the CTC box office at 400 River St., by calling 423- 267- 8534, or purchased online at TheatreCentre.com.

CANSLER PHOTOGRAPHY John Thomas Cecil and Jordan Otis play a couple falling in and out of love in the Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s production of “The Last Five Years.”