One-Act Musical Gets Special Run at Novato Theater Co.

An award-winning, one-act musical about the heartbreaks of a five-year relationship will have a special one-week run at the and serve as a fundraiser for the community theater troupe.

The Last Five Years, which runs Jan. 12-15, features Julianne Thompson of San Rafael and Robert Kaywin of Napa in the lead roles and tells the joys and complications of a relationship between a young novelist, Jamie, and a struggling actress, Cathy.

Written by Tony-award winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Songs for a New World, 13, Parade), the musical will be directed by Kim Bromley of San Rafael with Lucas Sherman of Santa Rosa directing the music as well as playing in all of the performances. Coproduced by Gary Gonser of Novato and Thompson, the performance presents perspectives from each of the main characters’ viewpoints.

“She tells her story starting at the end of the relationship and he tells his starting at the beginning,” Thompson says. “Watching their timelines unfold in opposite directions gives unique insight in the intricacies, trials and emotions of their relationship.”

The musical, which was cited as one of Time Magazine's 10 Best of 2001 and earned Drama Desk Awards for best music and best lyrics, was inspired by Brown’s own failed marriage. His ex-wife threatened legal action if the play followed their own lives too closely, so Brown made changes so it could be produced.

The Last Five Years will be presented Thursday, Jan. 12 through Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $22, $18 for students and $12 for children. All shows are at the Novato Theater Company Playhouse at 484 Ignacio Blvd. in the .

Tickets are available at www.novatotheatercompany.org or by calling 415-883-4498. All seats are reserved.