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No Refund Theatre Presents: The Last Five Years

Breakups are hard to talk about, let alone sing about. Yet No Refund Theatre will be doing exactly that this weekend in 111 Forum with the acclaimed musical “The Last Five Years.”

“The Last Five Years” isn’t the typical flashy theatrical production that you think of when you hear the word “musical.” Instead, it navigates through the five-year relationship of the show’s only two characters, Jamie and Cathy.

“The Last Five Years” is based on the failed marriage of Jason Robert Brown, the show’s writer. The show premiered on Off-Broadway in 2002, and that year it took home the Drama Desk Award for outstanding music and lyrics.

No Refund Theatre’s version of “The Last Five Years” is directed by Amanda Pasquini. Pasquini first saw the musical in high school, and was immediately drawn to the show. “The storyline is really captivating and the music is brilliant,” said Pasquini. “I love the raw dynamics of each character and the stories they tell.”

The musical stars Morgan Sichler as Cathy and David Schmiech as Jamie. The pair sings for the show’s entirety, which is quite a feat. But Sichler and Schmiech are more than prepared for the task, as they are both enrolled in the School of Music.

“Both of my cast members are trained performers,” said director Amanda Pasquini. “They are very talented musicians.”

Pasquini’s confidence in her actors is the product of a split rehearsal process. “I focused on character development, while the music director worked on vocals,” said Pasquini.

The result of Pasquini’s two-month rehearsal process is truly astounding. Sichler and Schmiech give breathtaking performances. “It’s a new take on the classic love story,” said Pasquini.

“The Last Five Years” opens tonight at 9 p.m. There will also be performances on Oct. 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. In traditional No Refund Theatre fashion, admission is free.

Check out the Facebook event for more details, and watch the trailer for the show here:

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About the Author

Anna Foley

Anna is a senior majoring in Communication Arts & Sciences and Spanish with a minor in Theatre. Yes, she went to Spain. Follow her half-funny thoughts @exfoleyator and send her chain emails at [email protected].

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