The Hilo Community Players will be presenting “The Last Five Years,” a hit musical by Jason Robert Brown, at the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center this weekend.
Rachel Klein is directing the show with vocal direction by Rachel Edwards. The duo has collaborated on many shows, including “The Rocky Horror Show” last year.
The two-person casts stars performers Sarah Elliot as Cathy and Christopher Kocian as Jamie.
This poignant musical explores the last five years in the lives of Cathy, a struggling actress, and Jamie, a young novelist. Through powerful songs and scenes, the show is a tell-all through the ups and downs of Jamie and Cathy’s relationship.
“This show is a beautiful story, and I love how real it is,” Klein said. “It examines the parts of a relationship that are ugly, which feel so real, and the parts that are beautiful. It’s authentic, and I really enjoy that about the writing of this show.”
Elliot and Kocian will tell the story musically through solos and one duet. The production also features live music by 19th Parallel, with Big Island musicians Kanako Okita on piano, Kelly Stuart on cello and Cathy Young playing the violin and synthesizer.
“The show provides a different rehearsal process where we’re focusing on intentional singing and character building to go along with strong vocal technique,” Edwards said. “I got to know their voices more intimately, which was different, but it’s exciting to see it come together.”
The show will be the first time HCP returns to indoor theater spaces since the beginning of the pandemic.
Since the onset of COVID-19, HCP has been performing their shows on a handmade, outdoor stage at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
“We originally planned to do this show in another space, but we realized we wanted to be somewhere larger, so everyone would feel comfortable coming,” Klein said. “Performing outdoors has been wonderful in its own way, but it’s more challenging day-to-day. It feels great being back indoors, almost luxurious with dressing rooms and air-conditioning.”
Masks will be required, and there will be room to socially distance for those who desire space around them.
The musical will be playing this weekend only, with show times at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets are available at HiloPlayers.org. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 the day of the performance.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com
