January 1–23, 2010
the Furniture Factory

Anne Damman & Kevin Young photo by Charles Nowak

Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company of Detroit presents The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown, directed by Frannie Shepherd-Bates and with musical direction by Michael Fiedler, from January 1–23, 2010, at the Furniture Factory in midtown Detroit.

A gorgeous musical about life, love and the demise of a relationship, The Last Five Years takes an in-depth look at two lovers who, while not necessarily star-crossed, still fail to make their relationship work after five years of trying.

Cathy, an actress, and Jamie, a writer, tell the story of their relationship in an unconventional manner: she begins at the end, traveling backward, and he at the beginning, moving forward. This method of storytelling allows the audience a unique insight into the relationship; its highs and lows, its missed cues and what ultimately drives the lovers apart: unrealistic expectations and an appetite for romance over reality.

“As part of our mission to eliminate apathy, we feel it is necessary to critically look at the relationships people have with one another,” says director Frannie Shepherd-Bates. “Why is the divorce rate in this country so high? What is the key to making all of our relationships healthy, happy and long-lasting? We hope that this production, with all of its warmth and humor, will give a new perspective on this issue to our audience.”

The cast includes Anne Marie Damman and Kevin Young. Gwen Lindsay exhibits her scenic design; lighting and sound design by Rahme Rayes. The Last Five Years is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019. Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684. www.MTIShows.com

The Furniture Factory is located at 4126 Third Street, Detroit, MI 48201. Reservations are available via phone at 313.408.7269, email at sandy@magentagiraffe.org , or at the door the day of the performance. Cash or check only. Tickets are $25/$22 Students & Industry (Students must present ID; Industry must provide headshot/résumé, business card or CV). Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Dates are:

Friday, January 1, at 8 pm
Saturday, January 2, at 2 pm
Saturday, January 2, at 8 pm
Sunday, January 3, at 3 pm
Friday, January 8, at 8 pm
Saturday, January 9, at 2 pm
Saturday, January 9, at 8 pm
Sunday, January 10, at 3 pm
Friday, January 15, at 8 pm
Saturday, January 16, at 2 pm
Saturday, January 16, at 8 pm
Sunday, January 17, at 3 pm
Friday, January 22, at 8 pm
Saturday, January 23, at 2 pm
Saturday, January 23, at 8 pm

Opening night (Friday, January 1, at 8 pm) will be “Pay-What-You-Can.” Audiences may wish to take advantage of our “Repeat Offender” offer: If you’ve paid for a ticket and would like to see the show a second, third or fourth time (we love those who love theatre!) bring back a paying customer each time and see it free of charge!

For additional information on the production of The Last Five Years, contact Frannie Shepherd-Bates or visit www.magentagiraffe.org .