Zegler and platt reunite for last five years anniversary concert
Rachel Zegler and Ben Platt ignited the London Palladium stage Friday night, marking the 25th anniversary of Jason Robert Brown's poignant musical, The Last Five Years. The pairing, a clear draw for fans of the stage and screen, brought a fresh energy to the already acclaimed two-hander.
A duet of perspectives on a fractured romance
The production cleverly utilizes a unique narrative structure, with actors portraying novelist Jamie (Platt) and actress Cathy (Zegler) telling their story through alternating timelines. Jamie recounts their relationship chronologically, from initial infatuation to its demise, while Cathy narrates it in reverse, beginning at the breakup and moving toward their first meeting. Their only overlap occurs during their wedding day, a pivotal moment of shared memory.
Brown directs and conducts from the piano, a setup that allows the eight-piece band to be strategically positioned on multiple levels, mirroring the characters' emotional states and the urban landscapes of the story. The staging emphasizes absences, with moments of isolation highlighting the characters' inability to truly connect.
Platt delivers a witty and often self-deprecating performance, particularly in his solo number, “Shiksa Goddess,” which playfully explores his family’s reaction to his relationship with Cathy. Zegler, in turn, captures Cathy’s frustration and the feeling of being unheard with a raw vulnerability. The show deftly portrays the diverging paths of their careers – Jamie's rising success contrasted with Cathy's stalled ambitions.
While the stage production offers a compelling experience, recordings of the musical meticulously isolate the individual narratives of Jamie and Cathy. On stage, the interplay between the actors occasionally feels slightly diluted, though Platt and Zegler manage to forge a believable connection despite limited shared scenes. Zegler’s portrayal of Cathy’s gradual aging and Platt’s shedding of initial lightness are particularly noteworthy.
The sold-out run at the London Palladium, followed by dates in Los Angeles and New York, underscores the star power of its leads. The show’s intimate format, lasting just 90 minutes, creates a powerful emotional impact. Even in moments of profound sadness, Brown’s band maintains a subtle shimmer of romance, a testament to the enduring power of the story.
The production is a poignant exploration of time's relentless passage and the complexities of love and ambition, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of what might have been. It’s a reminder that even the most vibrant romances can unravel, leaving behind a kaleidoscope of joy and pain.
The Last Five Years runs at the London Palladium until March 29th.