NEW YORK – At just 9 years old, Nick Jonas was a part of Broadway’s “Beauty and the Beast,” playing a teacup when he first became aware of an exciting new musical generating buzz downtown. Jonas fondly recalls those days, mentioning how adult colleagues in the cast couldn’t stop praising the musical and its outstanding music. Driven by curiosity, he visited a record store with his father and bought the cast recording. That musical was “The Last Five Years,” which captured his heart. Now, Jonas brings this beloved stage show to Broadway for the first time, concluding a journey that has spanned 24 years, with the show opening this Sunday.
Unlike the trend of musicals deriving from movies or famous albums, “The Last Five Years” stands out as an authentic American creation by composer and writer Jason Robert Brown. Tony-nominated director Whitney White praises it as a masterpiece of American musical theater. The play portrays a five-year marriage between aspiring novelist Jamie and budding actor Cathy, providing a poignant view from both partners.
Featuring Nick Jonas alongside Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren, the musical unfolds through alternating perspectives. Cathy’s musical arc traces their relationship in reverse, from disheartening separation back to their initial meeting five years prior. Jamie’s story moves in chronological order from enthralling encounters to a troubled marriage’s demise. Warren notes the broad relatability of the themes, highlighting experiences of love, relationship evolution, marriage, and heartbreak.
Since its Illinois debut in 2001, and its subsequent off-Broadway launch the following year, Brown’s creation has become a staple in regional theaters and academic settings and was even adapted into a film featuring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan. Nick Jonas notes that the complexities of the writing prompt introspection, causing him to reflect deeply while engaging with the script.
The narrative reveals how evolving career paths can strain Jamie and Cathy’s marriage, showcasing stresses from imbalances within relationships. Jamie’s harsh words to Cathy, “I will not fail so that you can be comfortable, Cathy. I will not lose because you can’t win,” reflect these tensions. Brown remarks on how the play captures the essence of being a young artist navigating their industry, resonating strongly with audiences.
Whitney White, an admirer since seeing the original production at Northlight Theatre outside Chicago, appreciates the show’s intimate portrayal of interpersonal challenges, such as financial imbalances that pervade personal spaces. Adrienne Warren discovered the musical during her musical theater studies, admiring it from afar until auditioning for Brown, which led to her landing the role with a powerful impression. Her audition consisted of just two songs before she was deemed perfect for the role.
Despite the dramatic storyline, Jonas, White, and Warren are firm in not aiming to sway the audience toward sympathizing with one character over the other. Instead, they hope viewers will invest in their shared journey. White reflects on having related to both characters’ experiences, grounding her approach in empathy rather than judgment.
To transition to Broadway’s larger stage, updates have been made, including modernizing references and enhancing musical elements for the Hudson Theatre’s 977-seat venue. While traditional versions have limited interaction between the characters, this new production sees them engaging more, despite existing in separate timelines.
The move to Broadway with powerhouse stars marks a surreal moment for Brown. The transformation of his cherished “little weird, intimate show” is both thrilling and daunting, bringing cocktail names to honor its star-crossed lovers. Brown expresses protective affection for his creation while acknowledging the need to let it evolve and resonate with wider audiences.