Review: ‘The Last Five Years’ at Hudson Backstage Theatre

From left: Sean Yves Lessard (Jamie) and Cat Rojo (Cathy) in "The Last Five Years" at Hudson Backstage Theatre (Photo by Sydney Belabin)

Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown’s 2001 “The Last Five Years,” directed by Aaron Byrnes at the Hudson Backstage Theatre, is an intimate two-person musical that explores a relationship at its breaking point. The story unfolds through two timelines told simultaneously.

Jamie Wellerstein (Sean Yves Lessard), a novelist, moves forward from the beginning of the relationship, while Cathy Hiatt (Cat Rojo), an actress, works backward from its end. This structure allows the audience to see how love evolves and unravels from both perspectives without losing emotional clarity.

From left: Cat Rojo (Cathy) and Sean Yves Lessard (Jamie) in "The Last Five Years" at Hudson Backstage Theatre (Photo by Sydney Belabin)

Lessard and Rojo carry the full weight of the musical production, which is no small task in a show where they spend most of the time performing independently. Despite that, they build a strong sense of connection that keeps the relationship believable.

Lessard stands out vocally and makes confident, engaging choices onstage. Rojo brings a grounded performance that balances humor with emotional vulnerability, giving Cathy a clear arc as she navigates insecurity and ambition. Their chemistry is felt even in moments when they are not physically interacting.

From left: Sean Yves Lessard (Jamie) and Cat Rojo (Cathy) in "The Last Five Years" at Hudson Backstage Theatre (Photo by Sydney Belabin)

Byrnes’ direction shapes a clear world for the two characters, making effective use of the black-box space. Pacing stays consistent, and the story remains easy to follow despite the dual timelines. The blocking works overall, though there are moments where Cathy feels visually static and could benefit from more movement to match the emotional shifts in her performance.

With a minimal set design by Erica Wong, lighting by Matt Richter plays a major role in shaping the tone of this production. Transitions are sharp and purposeful, with shifts from cool blues and purples to more intense reds that help track the emotional beats of the show.

Sound design by Julie Ferrin and Flavio Diaz, with music director Mike Walker on piano, is cohesive and essential to the production’s success, allowing the vocal performances to land with clarity.

From left: Cat Rojo (Cathy) and Sean Yves Lessard (Jamie) in "The Last Five Years" at Hudson Backstage Theatre (Photo by Sydney Belabin)

At its core, the show examines the tension between individual identity and partnership. Jamie moves through life with a strong sense of self, while Cathy struggles to find her footing, particularly in her career. That imbalance creates strain, making the relationship harder to sustain. It is a dynamic that feels honest and familiar, especially for ambitious couples trying to grow both together and separately.

The audience remains engaged throughout a recent performance, responding to Cathy’s lighter moments while staying invested in both performances. This production captures the emotional complexity of the material and delivers a solid, engaging interpretation of a story that continues to resonate long afterward.

“The Last Five Years” continues through April 12 at the Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, with shows Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Use code L5Y50 for 50% off the ticket price. For tickets, visit chalomotproductions.com. Run time is 90 minutes with no intermission.