Clear Space to produce ‘The Last Five Years’ at Milton Theatre Nov. 5, 6

The Clear Space Theatre Co. will be producing the musical sensation, “The Last Five Years,” on the Milton Theatre stage at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, and at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 6. An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their 20s who fall in and out of love over the course of five years, the show's unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

Jamie, an up-and-coming writer played by David Button, and Cathy, a struggling actress played by Erin Williams Bobby are the two characters recounting - mostly through song - a tale of romance. Like many lovers’ tales, “The Last Five Years,” is told from two points of view as Jamie and Cathy alternate in presenting their perspectives. Even though they are telling their story on different timelines, the two connect in on fitting moment with their wedding song.

“I’ve been in love with this show since I was in college! I used to listen to the soundtrack the entire trip as I drove between Delaware and Syracuse. The show reveals, in such a clever way, the fluctuating nature and complexity of relationships,” says Bobby.

Button says, “This show has always been a favorite of mine. Brown’s poetic lyrics and the depth of his characters are exactly what I crave when I’m acting in a musical.” He says, “the very nature of this show serves to keep the audience engaged: People not only will be enjoying the individual stories and the music but - with the story lines running in opposite directions – they also will be calculating who is where in this relationship throughout the show.”

Bobby was introduced to the show via soundtrack only, so she was mystified at first. She says, “But I soon realized I was hearing two lovers reliving their romance in opposite chronological order. I think some people in our audience will already know the show, but even those who don’t will pick up on its structure very early in the performance.”

Tickets are available for $15-20 with VIP seating available. Milton Theatre is at 110 Union St. in Milton. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.MiltonTheatre.com or call 302-684-3038.