IVCC talent featured in ‘The Last Five Years’
By Becky Martin
IV Leader Staff, Oct. 19, 2006
As a first time director, Neal Phelps, a freshman at IVCC,
chose his directing debut production to be “The Last Five Years” at Stage 212.
Jason Robert Brown, the writer of the production, has become
vastly popular with recent success in shows such as “Parade” and “Songs for a
New World.”
“The first thing that attracted me to the show was its
contemporary music. In the area, it is rare to see something so recently
released. “It is great to be able to do a show that is modern and upbeat,”
stated Phelps.
The show has a small cast consisting only of two people. The
role of Cathy is played by Elizabeth Gusick an alumnus of IVCC. Elizabeth as
been doing theater for 16 years and has done professional theater for three
years. Gusick stated that she was “thrilled to play the role of Cathy” because
she has “admired the show for awhile, and has waited for someone to direct it in
the area.”
The role of Jamie is played by Andrew Strickler, a sophomore
at IVCC. Andrew has been in productions at L-P High School and Stage 212.
One of the many things that set this show apart from other
musicals is how the story is told. “The Last Five Years” depicts the story of
Jamie and Cathy’s relationship through each character’s point of view.
At the beginning of the show Cathy is singing about the end
of their relationship and works backwards to their first date, yet Jamie starts
the show with their first date, and ends the show at the end of their
relationship.
Performance dates include Nov. 10, 11 and 12. Tickets are
available by calling the Box Office at 224-3025. Box Office hours include:
Monday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday 3-5:30 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.