ArtsCentric, the dynamic theater company that brought Baltimore the nation’s first African American cast production of Chicago, the Musical, now again redefines the traditional roles in Jason Robert Brown’s musical The Last Five Years.
The story explores a five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress. The show uses a form of storytelling in which Jamie’s story is told in chronological order (starting just after the couple has first met) and Cathy’s story is told in reverse chronological order (beginning the show at the end of the marriage).
The Last Five Years, ArtsCentric’s first feature-length virtual production, will be available for streaming from February 18 to 28, 2022, only. A musical for anyone who has a love for great singing and storytelling or for anyone who can relate to the ups and downs of love, The Last Five Years stars ArtsCentric company members Ryan Burke and Awa Sal Secka and shows them both at their very best.
Director Kevin S. McAllister — just off his spectacular Broadway run in Caroline, Or Change — brings what audiences have come to know as his signature touch to The Last Five Years. He is joined by Music Director Cedric D. Lyles and Choreographer Shalyce Hemby, who lead the production team. “ArtsCentric is continually doing our part to change the casting and performance narrative,” states McAllister. “This is a timeless love story, and the storytellers we’ve chosen are truly committed to breathing new life into it.”
ArtsCentric was last seen in their winter production of Dreamgirls at Baltimore Center Stage and is responding to the ever-changing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the streaming presentation of The Last Five Years. The company looks forward to a return to its theater space at 2600 North Howard Street in the Remington community for the remainder of the 2022 season.
EXTENDED: Streaming tickets ($35) for The Last Five Years can be purchased online and are available for the opening night screening on February 18 featuring a live preshow chat, or for on-demand viewing February 18 to March 3, 2022.
The Last Five Years trailer
About ArtsCentric
Founded by 12 aspiring young artists in 2003, ArtsCentric is a 501(c)3 nonprofit theater company bringing quality artistic works and creative services to the community at large. Its members consist of talented artists, musicians, educators, composers, and playwrights.
