The Last Five Years presented by Another Production Company at Stage 773

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...The show's eclectic musical style and unconventional structure express the emotional dissonance and isolation that comes with never quite being on the same page as your lover. As the actress, Dominique Reid lacks the vocal gusto her role calls for, but Rob Riddle shines as the tragic husband, and Charlotte Rivard-Hoster's musical direction makes for a capable, sometimes affecting production."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...With three wooden blocks and two wooden stools, Toma Tavares Langston and Raymond K. Cleveland keep the set dressing simple, focusing attention on the performances. Rob Riddle, with smooth but powerful vocals, is remarkable as Jamie. His control in the upper register is fantastic; whether he’s singing the crowd-pleasing “Moving Too Fast” or touching “Nobody Needs to Know,” Riddle makes it look effortless. Dominique Reid is less consistent, struggling with the higher notes. When she’s supposed to be softer, Reid’s vocals have a beautiful tenderness, capturing Cathy’s eternally romantic spirit even as she watches her hopes come unraveled."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...Thought to be based on Brown’s real-life failed marriage to Theresa O’Neill, Years is an alternately touching, funny, and compelling work to behold. Its insights into the reasons decay creeps into the most ardent of affections are sympathetic, though Brown seems to blame mostly himself through Jaime. The Last Five Years only wants to present these two flawed people with their big dreams and bigger shortcomings. We can only hope that they—and by extension, ourselves—can learn from the past to be more selfless in future love. Most of us would probably be surprised and perhaps even melancholy if we saw our relationships five years ago. Years is an intimate tale that might just leave you walking out into the night air resolved to make the next five years better than the last."

BroadwayWorld - Recommended

"...Both of these young Chicago actors have marvelous voices. Reid, a recent graduate of Bradley University, at times reminded me of the young Dolly Parton in the way her voices quivers and floats in soft passages. She cuts a remarkably beautiful figure in her creamy, dreamy wedding gown, too. Riddle, who finished a master’s degree at Southern Illinois University in 2010, is a thoroughly competent pop singer and a handsome, engaging presence. Both actors change costumes (a lot of costumes!) with aplomb, and look good in anything, apparently!"