Front Porch Theatricals opens its summer season at New Hazlett Theater this weekend

By Erika Fleegle

Everyone loves a good love story. But what if that love story doesn’t end – or isn’t told – as expected?

That’s where The Last Five Years comes in. The musical, produced by Front Porch Theatricals, opens at the New Hazlett Theater this Friday, May 22, 2015.

One of two shows in Front Porch’s seasonal repertoire (themed this year as Romance, with a Twist!), The Last Five Years explores the story of a five-year relationship between the up-and-coming author Jamie Wellerstein (played by David Toole) and the struggling actress Cathy Hiatt (portrayed by Pittsburgh-native Erin Lindsey Krom). As most couples do, the pair experiences their share of ups and downs, though not necessarily in the right order. The magic of The Last Five Years is in the storytelling – their relationship is recounted in reverse timelines, with Jamie’s story occurring chronologically, starting at the beginning of their relationship and Cathy’s retelling occurring in the reverse. The characters alternate between musical numbers and interact directly only once, when their timelines intersect at their wedding during the middle of the production.

Producers Leon Zionts and Bruce Smith are “thrilled” to bring this meaningful musical to life while drawing on the massive, rich talent pool of actors, directors, musicians, and designers that the Pittsburgh area has to offer.

The Last Five Years was written and composed by Tony Award-winning playwright Jason Robert Brown, who drew inspiration from his own past relationships. The musical style of the show draws on a number of genres, proving that the show offers something for every audience member.

The Last Five Years will run at the New Hazlett Theater from May 22-31, with Friday and Saturday shows commencing at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, ranging in price from $24-35.

For tickets, call 1-888-71-TICKETS or buy online here. Call (412) 551-4027 for more information.

Brighton Heights community art exhibit

A Community Art Night will be held this Friday, May 22, 2015 from 4-8 p.m. at John Morrow elementary school on 1611 Davis Ave. in Brighton Heights.

This community-school collaboration is made possible by a Neighbor-to-Neighbor grant awarded by the Sprout Fund and Buhl Foundation as part of the One Northside initiative.

It’s an evening of art in Brighton Heights featuring local artists and showcasing the talents of Pittsburgh Morrow PreK-8 students. The event includes free art workshops and activities, free refreshments, and free raffles for art stuff including an electric guitar and amp, artwork, gift baskets, and more.

Featured artists include Cheryl Capezutti and her roaming life-sized puppets, mosaic artist Laura McLaughlin, costume designer Lisamarie Bruno, and artists from the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and the Mattress Factory. Special guests, “Robert Frost” and children’s author Sydelle Pearl, will read from their published works.