The Last Five Years: 20th Year Anniversary Reunion

Watch the original team of the world premiere production of Jason Robert Brown's THE LAST FIVE YEARS reunite for the 20th year anniversary! Featuring never-before-told stories and two NEW PERFORMANCES of the musical's hit songs.
On May 23, 2001, a brand new musical opened at Northlight Theatre, changing the face of musical theatre and the lives and careers of its creators and stars. Twenty years later, the original team reunited to talk about the landmark world premiere production of THE LAST FIVE YEARS. Featuring Jason Robert Brown, Norbert Leo Butz, Lauren Kennedy, BJ Jones, and Daisy Prince.
Northlight Theatre has been developing new work for over 40 years - THE LAST FIVE YEARS is an example of the impact that support can have! You could be a part of making the next American theatre classic. Support the development of new work by supporting Northlight Theatre: northlight.org/donate.
THE LAST FIVE YEARS was first presented by Northlight Theatre (BJ Jones, artistic director, Richard Friedman, executive director) at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie, Illinois, on May 23, 2001. Set and costumes by Beowulf Boritt, lighting by Christine Binder, sound by Rob Milburn and Ray Nardelli, casting by Mark Simon, musical direction by Thomas Murray, and direction by Daisy Prince. The stage manager was Patty Lyons. The cast was Norbert Leo Butz (Jamie) and Lauren Kennedy (Cathy).

[@bjjones3634]

Welcome fans of Northlight and Jason Robert Brown, Daisy Prince, Lauren Kennedy Brady and Norbert Leo Butz. Thanks for joining us! It's going to be fun!

[@BloomywoodTheSeries]

BJ -- I would SOO love to know what the two songs JRB played for you that made you agree to produce the show?

[@bjjones3634]

@@BloomywoodTheSeries Irish girl, and Ten Minutes

[@BloomywoodTheSeries]

@@bjjones3634 Thanks. So interesting to hear. And thanks for helping give this show a life!

[@sueberoo1]

Susan cried, through a rush of tears, "take me back, take me back all 20 years!"

[@peerah]

One of the proofs of a longevity of a piece of art is that despite is that people cannot get enough of it. This musical speaks to so many people that they keep bringing it back and every new audience has different opinions about which "teams" they are on.

[@tiafayed7545]

this musical owns my ass, thanks for this

[@oceansjenny]

What a gift seeing the performances up close, directed at the camera! It’s like we are Jamie/Kathy! Did Norbert just propose to me? ;) Love hearing the commentary as well. JRB is a treasure. Very much enjoy learning more about the origins and how this was all pulled together. Full faith in small projects!! Also looking forward to reading “Sunday Evenings as Roger”.

[@emilycross8994]

I’m a year late, but my god what a treasure this is. 25 year reunion in concert?

[@shannongeier63]

Was it an acting choice for Norbert to cry or was it true emotions he was feeling? Who cares, he is AMAZING!!!

[@emilycross8994]

I’m certain he was just so incredibly moved by the experience of it all, and revisiting such a powerful piece 20 years later.

[@lisagrelebarrie6054]

Brava, bravo, chills and tears flow!

[@winklerguy1]

I remember this show at Northlight. At was wonderful.

[@marshaltemple7610]

So excited!