The Last Five Years

by Jason Robert Brown (Composer)

An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show's unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters meet only once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

Jason Robert Brown won Drama Desk Awards for the music and the lyrics after the Off-Broadway premiere in 2002 starring Norbert Leo Butz and Sherie Rene Scott. The show has since been produced at almost every major regional theater in the U.S., and has been seen in Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Germany, Italy, Canada, Spain, and the UK.

Genres: Plays, Musicals, Theatre, Drama

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Jason studied composition at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., with Samuel Adler, Christopher Rouse, and Joseph Schwantner. He now divides his time between Los Angeles, California and Spoleto, Italy. Jason is a proud member of the Dramatist's Guild and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 & 47.

Reviews

[Shadowdenizen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautifully dramatic, understated play that I was pleased to see when it debuted, and has again become my newest musical obsession due to the film adaptation starring the sublime Anna Kendrick, and the talented Jeremy Jordan.

Be warned, though, this is not a happy, uplifting tonic of a show; it deals with a relationship in crisis, and all the drama that that entails.

But, I highly recommend the play, the libretto AND the movie in equal measure. I think all 3 components of the triangle stand well alone, but also complement each other in every way.

[Meeghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites!

[Derrick Clements · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Five Years is one of my favorite musicals. Jason Robert Brown's music and lyrics are sometimes reminiscent of themselves, but his work in LFY is in some ways even better than Parade, for which he won the Tony. Those two are his best shows, with the most mature music and lyrics.

This edition of the book is interesting, published this year, because it sheds some light on some of the behind the scenes. Brown's preface tells the interesting story of how he came up with the entire structure on a walk from a publisher's office to his home. And the notes throughout the book define the timeline along the plot.

The non-linear structure has been criticized as being gimmicky, but I think it is perfect for the story being told. It gives each song an ironic twist, and makes the whole show kind of uncomfortably tragic. Great, quick read, as very few words are not sung in this piece.

[lulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

yeah jamie that's exactly what you're doing

[Emilija · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely tragic and almost beautiful at the same time. I adore the musical, but this explains the kind of behind the scenes aspects that are missing in the musical.

[elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am well aware this is a musical (a short one on top of it) and maybe shouldn't be counted as a book i read this year, but i did read, print out, and annotate the entire libretto so i think that should count for something. this is one of my favorite musicals ever (in my top 2 with hadestown!) and i find myself revisiting it again and again. the plot is so simple and the lyrics are great, but what really stands out is the music. the musical threads jason robert brown leaves, incorporating musical phrases in a way that ties the whole story together is so detailed you don't notice it until the millionth listen through. such a good musical, highly recommend listening to it and reading the libretto!

[Dan Blackley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this musical UNTIL I went through a divorce. Brown really knows about the pitfalls of marriage and it was painful to listen to this show after my divorce. I did do this production with a former student at my high school.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first libretto I ever bought. As a kid far removed from theatre, being able to finally fill in the blanks left by the cast albums was remarkable.


Also this musical breaks my heart, thanks JRB.

[Barbara Friend · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been my favorite musical for years, but I've never seen it on stage. The libretto definitely crystalized the vision of the staged show. Very quick read!

[Ping]

I don't think I've read books in Musical genre and I hope this won't disappoint.

[Nikkie Tariot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give my left thumb to see this musical live. There is so much hope and pain. It has a true authenticity of a relationship that was burned out hot and fast.

[Jordan Hull]

currently obsessed and this is a GREAT musical and anyone who disagrees is a heretic!

[Katherine Edmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this musical and get something new with every read through or listen

[misery.™ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i think both parties need a firm slap to the face

especially jamie

he needs at least five slaps to the face

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be Light and Projections Designing this show at the Center for the Arts At Kayenta in Ivins, UT this June.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so so excited to see this on stage soon!!