Nick Jonas Shines in “The Last Five Years”: A Fresh Take on a Musical Classic
In the realm of modern musicals, few works resonate with such poignant depth and emotional complexity as Jason Robert Brown’s “The Last Five Years.” This nuanced exploration of love, ambition, and heartbreak has recently re-emerged, with the spotlight cast on Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren, both known for their powerful stage presence and vocal talent. But has this revival managed to capture the essence of the original while adding fresh elements to the narrative?
A Musical Journey Back in Time
A Look at the Original Creation
Premiering in 2001, “The Last Five Years” is a reflection of its time—articulating the struggles of two individuals entwined in a complex relationship. The musical chronicles the breakdown of a marriage through a unique storytelling approach: Cathy’s journey runs in reverse, while Jamie’s story unfolds chronologically. This allows audiences to grasp how dissimilar perspectives shape our understanding of love and loss.
Brown’s creation stems from his own tumultuous experiences, offering a raw and authentic glimpse into the intricacies of romance and ambition. As he once stated, it’s “just a story about two people who want desperately to be together and can’t be." This poignancy is beautifully depicted in the characters’ intertwined narratives, leading to the inevitable heartbreak that resonates throughout the show.
The Revival: Bold Choices and New Dynamics
Whitney White’s Vision
The latest revival, helmed by Whitney White, offers a sleek and modern interpretation while remaining true to the musical’s roots. The stage is adorned with light designs by Stacey Derosier, employing warm oranges, golds, and blues that aptly score the emotional highs and lows of the story. However, amid this visual splendor, the revival grapples with a crucial question: Can Jamie, the male lead, escape the familiar archetype of the callous male artist, and allow a more compassionate portrayal to unfold?
Captivating Performances
Adrienne Warren as Cathy
Adrienne Warren undeniably steals the show with her vibrant performance as Cathy. Her powerful voice is equaled only by her emotional depth—infusing every song with a sense of struggle and longing that captivates the audience. Particularly in her number “Climbing Uphill,” Warren articulates the frustrations of every aspiring actor, making her relatable and deeply affecting. As she navigates the harrowing realities of auditioning, her portrayal is both hilarious and heartbreaking:
“Why is that man staring at my résumé?”
“These are the people who cast NeNe Leakes in a musical.”
These lines connect with the audience, reflecting the raw vulnerability actors experience in a competitive industry.
Nick Jonas as Jamie
Meanwhile, Nick Jonas takes on the role of Jamie, a rising author whose character lacks the emotional intricacies needed to balance Warren’s powerhouse performance. While Jonas delivers solid vocal performances, particularly in faster-paced numbers, the character itself fails to resonate on a deeper level. Jamie becomes a “Basically Selfish Straight White Guy,” embodying all too familiar traits without sufficient depth or compassion.
Jonas’s portrayal reveals the character’s ambition, yet there’s a striking absence of the internal conflict that could make Jamie more than just a flawed partner. Critics have pointed out that the character lacks the nuance necessary to elicit empathy, making it difficult for the audience to invest fully in his journey. Jamie’s lyrics could deliver devastating truths, but they land with a sense of hollowness rather than profound reflection.
Evaluating the Musical’s Impact
Balancing Perspectives
As Brown’s work hinges on presenting dual narratives, the revival struggles to achieve a harmonious balance between Cathy and Jamie’s experiences. While Warren’s portrayal brings to light the struggles of an actress fighting against the odds, Jamie’s character remains less developed, leading to an emotional imbalance in the storytelling.
Brown himself once mused about the nature of relationships, stating that they can often force one partner to feel far ahead of the other, “It’s a tiny bird that flies beautifully.” Unfortunately, in this revival, it feels as though Cathy is soaring, while Jamie is merely skating by.
Conclusion: A Musical Experience Worth Seeing
Despite its shortcomings, “The Last Five Years” remains a must-see experience, especially for those who appreciate intricate storytelling and emotional depth. With Adrienne Warren as a standout star, the revival offers moments of pure theatre magic. As the curtain falls at the Hudson Theatre, the audience is left with lingering thoughts about the complexities of love, ambition, and the stories we tell—both on stage and in life.
If you’re curious about the artistic craft behind “The Last Five Years,” or want to witness the emotional performances of Warren and Jonas, this musical is undoubtedly worth exploring. So grab your tickets and immerse yourself in this beautifully complex narrative that continues to speak to audiences today.
