The Last Five Years

Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown

Directed by Kevin Dutcher

An emotionally powerful two person musical that tells the story of two urban, aspiring artists who dive into a marriage fueled by youthful, passionate optimism.  The play revolves around Jamie, a Jewish novelist, and Cathy, a gentile actress and follows their troubled courtship chronologically—backward (hers) and forward (his). Funny, honest, and intimate, the play examines a relationship where professional and personal passions collide and bring piercing and unexpected challenges.

Opening February 8, 2014
Closing March 2, 2014

Playing Saturdays at 8 pm;  Sundays at 1 pm and 7pm

Audio description on Sunday, February 16 at 1 pm

All performances will be held at the Hillcrest Center Theater
1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116

Watch interview with Director Kevin Dutcher
Watch interview with actress Sarah Shervey who plays Cathy
Watch interview with actor Matt Rein who plays Jamie

To make a reservation call 651-647-4315 or fill out our online form 
Individual tickets go on sale January 8, 2014

Dinner and Show Package $40

Dinner at Luci Ancora + "The Last Five Years"
Sunday 7 p.m. performance of your choice
Call 651-647-4315 to purchase your package. 

Meet the Artists

Matt Rein (Jamie) was previously seen at MJTC as David in My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, as well as in Compulsion or the House Behind and The Triangle Factory Fire Project. Most recently he appeared with Theater Latté Da in All is Calm.  Other credits include Theater Latté Da (Company, Song of Extinction), Children’s Theatre Company (Five Fingers of Funk, Romeo and Juliet), Gremlin Theatre (Orson’s Shadow, The Water Engine), as well as The Phoenix Theater Project (Proof, Art), Park Square Theatre, Illusion Theater, Mu Performing Arts, Walking Shadow, Teatro del Pueblo, The Tennessee Williams Festival Provincetown, MA and The Court Theatre in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Sarah Shervey (Cathy) is ecstatic to make her debut with the Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company! Sarah is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse with degrees in Music Theatre and Music Education. Favorite theater credits include Footloose (Ariel Moore), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Christine Colgate), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator). Big thanks to her family and friends for their support!

Kevin Dutcher (Director) has directed and/or music directed 80+ productions in the Twin Cities, and acted in 40 more.  He’s been a part of Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company for over 17 years.  He appeared onstage as Professor Mashkan in Old Wicked Songs and as Luther Rosser, Leo Frank’s attorney, in Parade.  He was music director for My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, Chutzpah á go-go, and The Odd Potato.  He was one of the hosts of the BBC television series Look Ahead, and has been seen locally in 50+ commercials.  He combines his passions for theater, music and teaching by directing plays for the Spring Lake Park and Fridley school districts, and teaching music at Horace Mann Elementary in St Paul.  Kevin was the music director for the MN Twins for 11 years, providing the soundtrack to 6 division-winning seasons.

Dan Wold (Scenic Design) is a Twin Cities freelance designer.  Previously at MJTC, Dan designed Photograph 51, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, Our Class, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (2008, 2009), The Magic Dreidels, Modern Orthodox, and more. Dan has designed and built sets for numerous schools and community theaters, and is the technical director/auditorium manager for Fridley High School. 

Paul Epton (Lighting Design) discovered theater lighting at Carleton College and was an award-winning designer in Detroit. Since moving to Minneapolis, he’s designed regularly for MJTC (over 40 shows, including Photograph 51, Handle With Care, Goats, My Name is Asher Lev, Women's Minyan, The Triangle Factory Fire Project, Rose, Old Wicked Songs, The Chosen), Mixed Blood Theatre, Off-Leash Area, Torch Theater, and the Jon Hassler Theater. 

Annie Cady (Costume Design) returns to MJTC after previously designing many shows including The Last Word..., The Magic Dreidels, The Triangle Factory Fire Project, Cherry Docs, Miklat and The Action Against Sol Schumann. Other credits include Commonweal Theatre, Dark and Stormy Productions, Normandale Theatre, Park Square Theatre, Ten Thousand Things, Threads Dance Project, the University of Minnesota, Workhaus Collective, and Zenon Dance.

Kelli Tucker (Stage Manager) previously stage managed A Strange and Separate People, Rachel Calof, Handle with Care, Compulsion or the House Behind, Photograph 51, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, The Last Word… and others at MJTC. Other stage management credits include Theatre in the Round (The Melville Boys) and Alexandria Area Arts Association (Totally RED!). Kelli is also a freelance director with credits including The Phipps Center (Scheherazade, The Adventures of Peter Rabbit and His Friends, Lyle the Crocodile).

DOORWAYS Programs

Director Kevin Dutcher and Rabbi Alan Shavit-Lonstein
Participate in a discussion of the show with Director Kevin Dutcher and Rabbi Alan Shavit-Lonstein of Temple of Aaron, St. Paul following the 1 p.m. performance on Sunday, February 9th.  

Jim Walsh, Singer/Songwriter and Journalist and Brianna Lane, Singer/Songwriter
Jim Walsh and Brianna Lane will talk about their songwriting process and perform. This program will follow the 1 p.m. performance on Sunday, February 16th.

Myrna Marofsky, Founder of The Business Women’s Circle
Myrna Marofsky will lead an inspiring exploration of careers and relationships. Sunday, March 2 following the 1 p.m. performance.