The Haywood Arts Regional Theatre presents the off-Broadway musical hit, The Last Five Years beginning October 11 in the Feichter Studio.
New York actor Tony Lance returns to the HART Stage for this special two week run which will benefit the HART Stage II building campaign.
The Last Five Years explores a five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Hyatt, a struggling actress. The show uses a form of storytelling in which Cathy’s story is told in reverse chronological order, beginning the show at the end of the marriage. Jamie’s story is told in chronological order, starting just after the couple have first met. The characters do not directly interact except for a wedding song in the middle as their timelines intersect.
Tony Lance, one of HART’s most popular musical theater leading men, appeared as Tony in West Side Story, as well as leads in My Fair Lady and Jane Eyre. He performed The Last Five Years off-Broadway last year with Gillian Bell, and is bringing it to HART as a fund raising event for HART’s new Fangmeyer Theater.
Gillian Bell holds a degree in music from the Eastman School of Music, has performed in opera companies across the county, and with the Asheville Choral Society as a featured soloist. She has also appeared in professional productions of Les Miserables and Company.
Jason Robert Brown is best known to HART audiences for his musical Parade. His newest work is a musical adaptation of The Bridges of Madison County, opening on Broadway in January 2014.
HART concludes its 2013 main stage season with the classic Broadway drama The Heiress, opening October 25 and running through November 3.
The show is based on Henry James’ novel Washington Square, and tells the story of a middle aged women destined to inherit a fortune from her father, who is suddenly courted by a handsome, but penniless gentleman. The story is set in New York in the 1890’s. HART’s production will feature elaborate sets and costumes for the piece.
The Heiress opened on Broadway at the Biltmore Theatre on September 29, 1947. Directed by Jed Harris the cast starred Wendy Hiller, Basil Rathbone, and Peter Cookson. The production then opened at London’s Theatre Royal, Haymarket in 1949 starring Ralph Richardson, Peggy Ashcroft and Donald Sinden.
The 1949 film version starred Olivia d’Haviland, Montgomery Clift, and Ralph Richardson. HART’s production is being directed by Frances Davis and will feature Christy Bishop, Roger Magendie, Lise Hoffman, Ashleigh Millett, Shandee Trevino, Sean Bruce, Brooke Atwood, Michael Ottinger, and Holly Cole.
If You Go: “The Last Five Years,” in the Feichter Studio, 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville, October 11, 12, 18, 19 at 7:30, and October 13 & 20 at 3 p.m.
“The Heiress,” October 25, 26 and November 1 & 2 at 7:30; October 27 and November 3 at 3 p.m.. At the HART Theater, 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville.
Reservations can be made by calling (828) 456-6322 or visit www.harttheatre.com.