Downstairs at His Majesty’s is a becoming a great little supper theatre haven in the heart of Perth that is pumping out quality projects under The Brainbox Project banner. The Last Five Years is the latest offering that is a musical with absolutely no dialogue that centres on an artistic couple Jamie (Brendan Hanson) and Cathy (Sharon Wisniewski) who are chronicling their relationship’s demise each from different ends of the union. With no dialogue the characters thoughts, conversations on mobiles and to presences (that don’t reply) the musical does effortlessly propels the audience into familiar dramatic territory of a relationship breakdown. This is no surprise as Wisnieswki from the outset mourns her loss (albeit behind a very heavy fringe which seems to speak of the 70’s), whilst Hanson joyously celebrates meeting his ‘Shiksas Goddess’. What sustains this show (with no interval) is the masterful nature of musicians under the direction of Tim Cunniffe, and the ease of vocal ability from the two performers. Sometimes quirky and sexy, the performers are also delivering a high calibre of performance which has the audience engaged throughout the show. Wisniewski is truly gifted as she belts out her frustrations along with her sensitive thoughts culminating in a humourous audition as she confronts the directors for her never-ending stream of auditions in her pursuit to succeed as an actress. What smacks of cliché from the writing perspective of Jason Robert Brown, is the success of the partner, Jamie and what this does to the relationship. Clichés are such due to there true to life basis, and this scenario is no different based in Hollywood, but the music is so satisfying that it would be more gratifying to see some redeeming features in the themes other than the jilted wife, and the jaded successful writer living on the memory it seems of only one unifying scene when they marry in the middle of the show.
Belinda Dunbar, the director, has assembled a talented creative team to bring this two-hander to the stage with her brilliant lighting design that is brought to life by Jacinta Radbourne. For such an intimate (read small) space the states are well contrasted allowing each vignette to be artfully supported and explored fully. The nature of the smallish space has been well utilised in Dunbar’s direction and it is seamless, the symbolic reasoning for the marital bed figuring so large is a strong reminder of what they have lost. Dunbar has also created a forum for this gifted writer, Jason Robert Brown to be heard and that is a credit to her and one which this season’s audiences will find a treat – it is dramatic, thoughtful, and an excellently strong production.
THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Presented by The Brainbox Project
Playing at HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE / DownStairs at the Maj
Directed by BELINDA DUNBAR Musical Director TIM CUNNIFFE
Featuring BRENDAN HANSON and SHARON WISNIEWSKI with a four piece band – cello, violin, guitar and piano
SHOW DATES:
• Tuesday, 18 May
• Wednesday, 19 May
• Thursday, 20 May
• Friday, 21 May
• Saturday, 22 May
• Tuesday, 25 May
• Wednesday, 26 May
• Thursday, 27 May
• Friday, 28 May
• Saturday, 29 May
