The Last Five Years Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...But darned if Glover's production doesn't tug at the heartstrings enough to make skeptics like me forgive some of the flaws in the material. Crucially, DeSelm and Hendrix play twin baby grands facing each other, and the latter's reaction shots while at the keyboard are particularly effective. Kim Lawson and Lilianna Wosko provide lovely accompaniment on violin and cello, respectively, and for the most part the songs come through with rich clarity and smart simplicity. Those who love this show more than me, or those who have never seen it before, should definitely check it out."

ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended

"...Whenever I am in doubt about the quality and future of musical theatre with all the unnecessary film making a transition to stage (Ghost, Sister Act, Flashdance, Footloose, Rocky, The Bodyguard), I can now close my eyes and remember this perfect production to restore my faith in the theatre Gods."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...So sure. Kokandy’s Last Five Years is a tad underdeveloped and doesn’t always take dramatic advantage of the openness of its material. But at the same time, it also doesn’t obfuscate or overcomplicate the show’s purposely lean emotional through line. Powerful and resonant when it matters most, more than anything, this production is a solid testament to the enduring power of Brown’s revelatory score."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Mr. Glover's simple, less-is-more style focuses all our attention where it should be: on these two talented artists playing out their story of love, ambition, jealousy and regret. Jason Robert Brown should consider visiting here to see how his popular, bittersweet, autobiographical musical has been sweetly re-imagined in Chicago."