Love hurts: 'The Last Five Years' at SCRC

"Years," being presented this week by the South Carolina Repertory Company, is a contemporary love story told with an innovative twist. Her story starts at the end of the relationship; his story begins at their first date.

"It's one of the things that attracted us to the material," said Blake White, production associate at the South Carolina Repertory Company, of the unusual plotline. "As he progresses through the relationship, she regresses."

"The Last Five Years" captures both the joyous and heartbreaking moments of modern romance.

The five-year relationship between Jamie, an up-and-coming novelist, and Cathy, a struggling actress, is chronicled in song.

The musical opens with Cathy lamenting the end of the relationship; as she finishes her song, time rewinds to five years earlier, when Jamie is on his first date with Cathy.

The story continues to alternate between the two characters with each sharing significant scenes -- happy and sad -- from their relationship. The only time the two are at the same time and place on stage is during a touching duet sung during their wedding scene.

"This show has a universal theme," said White. "It's just told in a slightly skewed way. There are funny parts in it, yet it's a beautiful love story with heavy dramatic aspects. It's very subjective as to why their relationship falls apart."

"The Last Five Years"

reminds audiences that love doesn't always last and of the difficulties involved in making modern romance work. As Cathy waves goodbye to Jamie after their first date -- certain that she has found a love that will last a lifetime -- the show shifts five years forward, where Jamie is writing Cathy a goodbye letter. Their goodbyes meld together in a poignant final scene.

"We've all suffered disappointments in relationships. Anyone who is or has been in a relationship will love the show," said White. "And anyone from age 10 to 110 can enjoy the music alone.

"This has been a fun show for us to do," White continued. "We can present something to an audience that hasn't been done in the area before."

The show premiered in Chicago in 2001 and was produced Off Broadway a year later. It has since been staged across the U.S. and Europe and as far away as Japan. "The Last Five Years" was nominated for several Tony awards and won two Drama Desk awards.

South Carolina Repertory Company's version features Matt Mundy as Jamie and Peggy Trecker as Cathy.

The local production is being directed by Jim Stark with musical direction by Janice Creech.