In Jason Robert Brown’s award-winning musical, a relationship is explored from its rapturous beginning to its sad aftermath. Recently adapted into an Anna Kendrick starring film, Urban Aphrodite brings The Last Five Years to Jiadu Theatre from April 9-19. Brandi Dowd steps out of her typical roles as Associate Producer, directing a show that she describes as "part of a generation of musicals that strive for truth." Little Shop of Horrors Julia Carey and Kung Fu Komedy's Paul Johnson star and will be complemented musically by a string quartet. We chat with Brandi about the musical and all this drama happening in Shanghai.
Urban Aphrodite is cranking out plays these days. Why did you decide to do an adaptation of The Last Five Years and could you describe the story?
A story like the one told in The Last Five Years is an easy choice because everyone can relate to some part of the show. The story is about a young couple that meet at the beginning of their respective career's. One an aspiring writer and one an aspiring actress. While their love blossoms only one of their career's takes off. This sets the relationship up for a lot of conflict, not only between the characters but it causes them to have conflicts with themselves.
It’s really interesting how The Last Five Years plays with time. Practically speaking, how do each of the character’s songs and stories relate to each other as the show from scene to scene?
The time line in which we see their story unfold is something so unique to this show. Following Cathy (Julia Carey) from the end of the relationship and Jaime (Paul Johnson) starting at the beginning of it allows us to see the push pull that happens in a relationship. When we start the show we see Cathy really going through some heart break while Jaime is getting ready for their first date and it makes us really feel for her character and think how on earth could this relationship have fallen apart. Over time we get to piece together this puzzle and see how their world came together and eventually fell apart. All while our opinions of each character twists and shifts.
The show won two Drama Desk Awards for music and lyrics. How would you describe the songs in the musical and do you have any favorites from it?
I love this musical score. It’s so beautifully written in a way that forces you to have an emotional connection. And for me I love this kind of musical. It’s not so much about the jazz hands and dancing as it is about sharing a story and connecting with people on a very real level. My favorite song changes every day. I will be playing 'See I’m Smiling' on repeat and then go to rehearsal and see Paul sing his heart out with 'Nobody Needs to Know' and then that becomes my favorite until the next day when it happens all over again.
The show stars Julia Carey and Paul Johnson. Could you describe what each actor brings to their parts and to the play?
We decided at the very beginning that we wanted this show to have an impact and to mean something to the audience. So we have worked in a very open and honest rehearsal setting. I am so grateful that they bring trust into each rehearsal because it really allows us to take that extra step needed into making these stories heard.
You previously worked with Julia on Little Shop of Horrors but Paul is better known as a stand-up comic. Were you surprised by his acting chops?
Julia is a powerhouse of talent, just when you think that you’ve seen her best she brings even more to the table. I had never met Paul before this project but he really blew me away. He is so passionate about this role and has really been pushing himself everyday. I think the Shanghai audiences that know him for his stand-up will be amazed at his portrayal as Jaime.
You’re best known as Urban Aphrodite’s Associate Producer but will be directing this show. Is this the first time you’re directing a show in Shanghai?
This is actually my first time directing ever. As a producer I have always been a support for directors and really wanted the chance to do it on my own. I am so excited that Ann asked me to do this. Her faith in me has given me a lot of courage to take a chance here. As far as growing I feel like it has happened a little more each day. I feel challenged and creative in a way that I haven’t for a long time. I think at the first rehearsal I was scared and nervous about people liking my ideas for the show but as we keep working I feel more and more confident that I am making the right choices. I have a really supportive group around me and I am so honored to be a part of this with them.
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Recently, The Last Five Years was adapted into a film starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan. Have you had a chance to see it and why do you think this musical has endured?
I tried so so so hard not to watch the movie. I wanted to have a clear idea of what I wanted the show to be so that I wasn’t influenced into “copying” what others had done. So now that the show is on its feet and the direction is set I had to cave in. I think this musical is part of a generation of musicals that strive for truth. I love all theater but to me this kind of musical is just so natural. It’s simply a story of the human condition. You really feel for these characters, and that never gets outdated.
You’re becoming a bit of a Shanghai theater veteran. What are your thoughts on the city’s theater community and its audiences? Do you find that it’s growing and have there been any shows you’ve recently seen that you’ve enjoyed?
The theater community is booming and that is so exciting. There are all these new companies popping up and it’s wonderful. We should all be supportive of each other and strive to be better and better because our audiences deserve that. When other shows are happening we are usually in production as well but there’s some new theater coming soon and I really hope I can see all of it.
What are some of the biggest challenges that people involved in the city’s English language theater scene faces and if there’s anything you could improve, what would it be?
I think the lack of space is a huge thing here. In NYC you can choose from a million smaller theaters and rent them with lights, sound and stage and boom you’re ready to run a show. Here it’s really difficult and funding a rental space is so expensive. I think there would be a lot more theater companies around if this weren’t an issue.
Following this show, is there any projects that you’re working on that you could give us a preview?
We are always working. If we aren’t in production we are in rehearsal and most of the time we are in production and in rehearsal for three other projects at the same time. UA seriously never stops. I love the season we have right now and when this show is over I will be right on board with Fight Club. Although I think I just broke the first rule.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Theater doesn't happen with just one persons effort. The entire team behind The Last Five Years are all incredible. I am so thrilled to bring this beautiful show to Shanghai and know that no one will be disappointed.
// Apr 9-19, 7.30-10pm, RMB200-220. Jiadu Theatre, 187 2152 8625, tickets@urbanaphrodite.nl.
********WIN!!!!!*************
We have a pair of tickets to give away. Simply e-mail win@urbanatomy.com with the subject 'The Last Five Years' by Apr 8 for your chance to win.
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