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The Last Five Years
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio will close its 40th season this spring with The Last Five Years, the acclaimed musical featuring music and lyrics by Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown. Directed by Lenny Leibowitz, the play runs April 24–May 11 in Studio Two at the Vern Riffe Center.
The Last Five Years winds its way through the joyful, sad, and bittersweet moments of a couple over the course of their five-year relationship. See the highs and lows from both sides of the story, starting at the end with Cathy and the beginning with Jamie. This emotionally powerful and intimate musical has captivated both audiences and critics, winning a Drama Desk Award, a film adaptation, and performances around the world. In this love story, the end is just the beginning.
“This musical has a loyal following with people who love the music and the fascinating way this love story is told,” said Christy Farnbauch, Executive Director of The Contemporary. “Some people have even had quotes from this show carved them into their wedding rings. Rom-com fans will love this musical, as well as devoted musical theatre lovers.”
“The audience should expect to hear incredible music and see theatrical storytelling with an evocative design,” said Leda Hoffmann, Artistic Director of The Contemporary. “With The Last Five Years about to open on Broadway, we’re excited to bring our own signature approach to this beloved musical—intimate, evocative, and deeply personal.”
In its original review, The New York Times called The Last Five Years a “bittersweet deconstruction of a love affair,” praising its “impressive” score and “clever” narrative structure, which presents the relationship from two opposing timelines. Variety noted that the musical “captures some beautiful moments” and applauded its inventive approach to storytelling.
Tickets for The Last Five Years are $65.38 each, inclusive of fees, and can be purchased online at TheContemporaryOhio.org.
Preview shows are scheduled for Thursday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, April 25, at 8 p.m. The production will continue its run through May 11, with shows on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. The play runs 90 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for patrons 13 and older.
The theatre will offer two Pay-What-You-Want (PWYW) performances, sponsored by the Robert Weiler Company, on Thursday, April 24, and Friday, April 25. PWYW tickets may be purchased in advance by telephone (614-469-0939), in person at the CBUSArts ticket office (55 E. State St.), or at the venue starting two hours before showtime. The Contemporary also offers $20 student rush tickets to every performance. Tickets (one per student with a valid ID) are sold at the box office (77 S. High St., Fourth Floor) up to two hours before curtain and are subject to availability.
Patrons can enter the building from the High Street entrance or through the parking garage accessed from Front Street.
Nationwide is the supporting sponsor for this production, with additional support from The Edwards Companies and Zuercher Law. Season support comes from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the City of Columbus, and Franklin County, as well as The Shubert Foundation, Inc., and the Ohio Arts Council, a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically with state tax dollars from the Ohio Legislature. The Contemporary also appreciates the support from The Columbus Foundation, Martha G. Staub Fund, who assists donors and others in strengthening our community for the benefit of all its citizens.
About The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio is central Ohio’s leading professional Equity theatre company, providing exceptional productions and educational programs for adults and young people in response to our community’s needs. We believe theatrical storytelling transforms people of all ages by immersing them into immediate, communal experiences. The Contemporary exists to harness the transformational power of theatre that engages with our current moment to inspire a community of empathy. For more information, visit TheContemporaryOhio.org.
The Contemporary Ohio’s Vision:
We strive to become an anti-racist, nationally recognized contemporary theatre company that anchors a thriving Columbus theatre ecosystem in an empathetic, equitable world.
The Contemporary’s Purpose/Mission:
To harness the transformational power of theatre that engages with our current moment to inspire a community of empathy.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3011677-0
