The Last Five Years, a musical put on by Southern Utah University’s Second Studio, will be held on March 28th, 29th, 30th, April 4th, and 6th. Second Studio is “a student-run organization on SUU campus dedicated to providing stage, technical, and directing experience to students.” Seating to all events is general admission and tickets are $5, the productions begin at 7:30 p.m. the March 30th show is a matinee at 2 p.m.
The Last Five Years is a two-person musical about a couple in New York. Kathy is a struggling actress and Jamie is a successful writer. The show follows as each person sings about their relationship (failed marriage) from each perspective.
Something unique about this musical is that “each character is singing their songs in different orders.” The show begins with Kathy singing from the end of their relationship, while Jamie is singing from the beginning. In the middle of the show, they finally meet and sing “The Next Ten Minutes,” which is a scene where they get engaged. Senior BFA Sara Funk, plays Kathy, while senior BFA Ben Cano plays Jamie. The show is directed by Sean Militscher and produced by the students of Second Studio.
Sara expresses her excitement, “This is my dream show . . . (because of this) I feel like my performance will be far more true, intentional, and better overall. People should see this show because it is a powerful and relatable story of love and relationships and how being selfish can run the best things in your life.”
Ben adds to this, “. . . it’s such a beautiful piece of theatre, and it’s so relatable. So many people are going to connect with these characters, and by exploring and getting to know the characters, they’re also getting to know themselves.”
Mark your calendars for the end of March and beginning of April, and come get to know the characters, yourself, and experience a beautiful show.
Story by: Elizabeth Armstrong
elizabethgracearmstrong@gmail.com
Photo by: SUU Second Studio
