Eastern Michigan University's theatre department invites audience to join them for their final production of the 2015-2016 main stage season; Jason Robert Brown’s, "The Last Five Years"; a love story told through song.
“Come see the show to support all the hard work of our EMU student performers and technicians, or because you're a huge Jason Robert Brown fan, or because you want to see all the incredible tech elements, or because you just want to be a part of something magical for an hour and twenty minutes,” said Director Pamela Cardell Cato, EMU theatre.
Brown is the author of the book, music, and lyrics. The play first premiered in Chicago in 2001 and since has been produced all around the world. EMU’s production of The Last Five Years is directed by Pam Cardell with music direction by R. MacKenzie Lewis. The production will be held in the Sponberg Theatre on June 3, 4, 10, and 11 at 7pm, and on June 5 and 12 at 2pm. Saturday, June 4 is a special celebration performance in honor of Sponberg Theatre’s 30th birthday. The theatre is located on EMU’s campus in the Quirk Dramatic Arts Building at the intersection of East Circle Drive and Best Hall/Ann Street. This production is recommended for audiences of ages 16 and above.
EMU student performers Kristin McSweeney and Brendan Kelly will portray the main characters Jamie & Cathy opening weekend, June 3, 4, 5, Kayla Younkin and Matt Wallace will play the roles closing weekend, June 10, 11, 12.
“ An incredible amount of work has been done in a very short amount of time," said Director Cardell Cato. "Although the show is written for only 2 people, we've added in 2 performers that help us flesh out some of the scenes. It also gave opportunity for more students to perform. Because we will be rotating the actors each weekend of the production, we're encouraging audiences to come both weekends and let us know which performance they liked better.”
Ticket prices for the June 3, 5, 10, 11, and 12 performances of "The Last Five Years" are $15 for regular admission, $12 for students and seniors, and $9 for MAINSTAGE patrons. The tickets for June 4 are $30 because this showing includes a backstage reception and a special post-show production by Phil Simmons and R. MacKenzie Lewis. Tickets are available in person at the Convocation Center ticket office or the Quirk Box Office, also by phone at 734.487.2282, and online at www.emutix.com