I first witnessed the enchantment of The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown in 2013, a musical that ignited my passion for theater. Fresh from a heartbreak, it was hard not to be carried away with my emotions. A year later, the film adaptation offered a different visual perspective which made me understand better the series of events that led to their relationship’s demise.

So I eagerly awaited Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s staging, wondering how this fresh approach would portray Cathy and Jamie’s crumbling marriage. As Gab Pangilinan and Myke Salomon stepped into these complex roles, they transcended the stage, taking us on a heart-wrenching journey through love and loss.

Instead of the usual proscenium staging in 2013 and most two handers, the stage was set in the center of Power Mac Center Spotlight Theater with the audience on both sides, creating an intimate and immersive atmosphere witnessing both star’s emotions and transition.

With Joey Mendoza’s production design, the set was minimalist using tracking set pieces to add depth and the concept of intersecting timelines in the storytelling. The challenge was in maintaining visual excitement without overshadowing the actors or disrupting the scenes, and they were definitely successful on that.

The stage seems simple but it was actually impactful – it showed the isolation Cathy and Jamie felt in the course of their relationship, how they were conflicting in most stages of their lives, fighting their battles on their own and never as a couple.

Also Mendoza’s costume design, assisted by Hershee Tantiado, also worked in tandem with his set, clearly distinguishing between forward and backward timelines, showcasing the characters’ journeys. What everyone won’t be able to witness is the meticulous backstage coordination involving a choreographed dance of dressers and stagehands, ensuring a seamless production, despite the minimalism.

Delphine Buencamino’s movement design bridged the gap between design and actor comfort, enhancing the story without overshadowing other elements. The movements supported the energy shift, aging, and emotional transition of the characters, evoking the shifting sands of their relationship.

And of course, how can we forget Topper Fabregas’ wonderful direction? Casting a real-life couple added a meta-quality, emphasizing the essence of the story about a couple. The effort of Topper and his team spending significant time dissecting the music, delving into why specific songs were chosen for pivotal moments really showed all throughout the musical. The result was a well-crafted, musically insightful production that allowed us to understand the songs from inside out.

This staging also showed how Topper was sensitive to the actors’ personal experiences, ensuring their comfort and safety while delineating the boundaries between their personal and stage lives. His approach allowed hints of their genuine love for each other to shine through during moments like “The Next Ten Minutes.” Topper masterfully balanced the fresh traverse stage approach with the integrity of the story, delivering a compelling performance.

Gab Pangilinan, playing Cathy Hiatt, showcased her vocal prowess from the outset with the heart-shattering ‘Still Hurting’. Her performances of ‘Summer in Ohio’ and ‘I Can Do Better Than That’ were not only relatable but infused with humor, while her rendition of ‘See I’m Smiling’ was intense. As she settled into her role, she transformed into Cathy, leaving her own persona behind, allowing the story and her voice to take center stage. It was a remarkable performance that left a lasting impression.

Myke Salomon, portraying Jamie Wellerstein, tackled the challenging numbers like ‘Moving Too Fast,’ ‘Shiksa Goddess,’ and ‘The Schmuel Song’ with initial hesitance but grew more confident as the show progressed. His renditions of ‘If I Didn’t Believe in You’ and ‘Nobody Needs to Know’ weighed heavily on the heart, offering a poignant glimpse into the unraveling of their marriage. Myke’s portrayal evolved, making us keenly feel the depth of his character’s turmoil.

With Gab and Myke’s performances and the decision to present the musical as a 90-minute uninterrupted show, the emotions built relentlessly. The lines between blame dissolved, allowing us to see Cathy as more than a dependent and clingy wife and Jamie as more than a cheating husband. Sympathy and understanding grew, leading to a deeper connection with their characters and the story’s pivotal moments.

And of course last but not the least, Rony Fortich and the band’s music underscored the performances, enhancing Gab and Myke’s emotional portrayals. The combination of violin, bass, guitar, and cello created a poignant backdrop that intensified the power of the musical.

In Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s rendition of The Last Five Years, Gab Pangilinan and Myke Salomon offer a mesmerizing showcase of talent and emotion, transcending the stage to leave a lasting impression. Topper Fabregas’s direction delivers a fresh perspective with heart, while the production and costume design, movement choreography, and musical direction add depth to the storytelling.

Don’t miss this evocative journey of love and loss. “The Last Five Years” runs until October 29 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Circuit Makati. It’s a theatrical experience that will resonate with your heart long after the final note.

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The Last Five Years is originally produced for the New York stage by Arielle Tepper and Marty Bell by Northlight Theatre, Chicago IL. THE LAST FIVE YEARS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), New York, NY, USA. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. http://www.MTIShows.com

About the Author

Apple Gamboa is the Life Editor of SubSelfie.com.

She is also the Senior Executive for Corporate Communications for Canon Philippines.

She was previously a Media Relations Manager for Ogilvy Philippines and an interview and field producer for GMA News programs Quick Response Team and News to Go. She was also a producer of lifestyle TV shows and documentaries. Travelling and music are her passion, and taking risks is her reality medicine. Journalism 2010, UST. Read more of her articles here.