"The Last Five Years" a Gem

New Rep's latest blackbox show has been playing to packed houses -- and with good reason! Directed by Jim Petosa, New Rep's production of "The Last Five Years" is a true delight. You'd be hard-put to find a show that is a more perfect blend of good acting, strong writing and direction, and high production values.

The musical, by writer and composer Jason Robert Brown, tells the bittersweet tale of the beginning and end of a young couple's marriage -- with a twist. The husband, Jamie (played ably by Mark Linehan), tells his part of the story from the beginning of the marriage to its end, five years later. (He starts with a terrificly funny song, "Shiksa Goddess," which doubles as a nice little biography of his character.) Meantime, his wife, Cathy (played brilliantly by Aimee Doherty), tells the story backwards, starting with a poignant song about the couple's break-up, and ending by falling in love. You might think that this would be confusing, but the trick becomes immediately clear in the first few minutes. The actors transition in and out of moments in time with ease and aplomb, suggesting that good acting and good direction are both at work.

While only these two actors set foot on stage, numerous superstars stand behind them. The music is catchy, and the book is quirky, current, and fun. The set is beautiful -- curved Chagall-stained-glass-style set pieces frame the action in a sort of "fishbowl," set off to exquisite effect by the excellent lighting design. And the live music was top-notch; it served to heighten all the sensations produced by the show (which run the gamut from joy to laughter to compassion to deep sadness).

All in all, New Rep has given Boston theatergoers a real gem in this lovely production.

~ Shauna Shames