Grant Jacoby in The Last Five Years. Photographed by Duncan Spaulding.
A brainchild over nine months in the making, Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years will be performed on campus next month. The two person show stars Grant Jacoby ’13 and Talia Curtin ’13, both of whom have been following the musical into fruition since last year.
Jacoby explained, “The idea began as a casual discussion between Talia and me last spring, but we soon realized that the show was something we really wanted to do. It is a show that requires a great amount of dedication from both cast members and we knew we would be willing to put in that time and effort.”
The two soon brought the idea to the Wig and Candle Theater Society, as both Curtin and Jacoby serve on the group’s board. Molly Clifford ’13 was soon approached about directing the piece. “Grant and Talia came to Wig and Candle in its very early stages with this idea and were interested in me as a director. After reading the script and listening to the music, I decided it would be manageable and definitely something I would want to do,” said Clifford.
All three agree that the show’s strong music and themes made it a hard project to ignore. The musical revolves around one couple’s five-year relationship and subsequent marriage and divorce, relying almost entirely on music to convey the story. “The music is some of the greatest I have ever experienced,” said Curtin. “I think it’s really a testament to a show when, even after months of listening to and working on the music, you are still able to find new and unbelievable things in the notes and lyrics.”
Through the music, the characters bring to life an interesting story of love and loss, as the man begins the musical at the beginning of their relationship and moves forward, while the woman starts from the sorrowful end and works backward toward the beginning, meeting only briefly in the middle.
Rehearsals focus on the intermingling of solo moments and subtle interactions. Jacoby explained, “The other character may be on the same stage with you but they are like a ghost. Although Talia and I may not actually see each other, we have learned to interact just the same.” Clifford said, “We have to focus on how these two people become so close but are still unable to connect.”
Ben Zacharia ’13 acts as the show’s musical director, helping to bring the two together on stage as well as with the five-piece band. He described his responsibilities as “rehearsing with the band, accompanying the actors on the piano during early rehearsals and connecting the singers and the band together in the end.” He continued, “Although I’ve worked with them on a few spots in the music, both Grant and Talia knew the songs coming into the process so we could start working on their interactions right away.”
The process also has a slightly different feel because it is completely student produced. Curtin said, “In a Mainstage production, the director, usually a faculty member, has a vision for the show, knows what they want, and this is the direction the show will go in. However, with The Last Five Years, we are producing a show among peers so we have the flexibility to discuss what we all want the show to become.” Jacoby added, “When you have faculty members, there is a sense of security and relief that failure is not an option. With student theater there is less certainty, but because everyone is so passionate we are able to drive the show on our own.”
Clifford said, “It feels like there is a lot riding on this production because so many people are involved in the process and are working so hard. However, the experience has been great so far and I am very appreciative to all members of the team.” Grant added, “I have no doubts whatsoever about this piece. I have faith that everyone involved will rise to the occasion and create a wonderful show.”
The Last Five Years will be performed in Palmer room 202 on December 2, 3 and 4.
