Love and Music Come Alive in Charleston: The Last Five Years Hits the Stage
Charleston is buzzing with excitement as the curtain prepares to rise on a fresh production of Jason Robert Brown’s beloved musical, The Last Five Years. This remarkable story is making its way to the Cannon Street Arts Center, reimagined and brought to life by local talents Manny Houston and Heather Rice. The show will be running from November 7th to November 30th, and it promises to be a captivating experience.
A Unique Journey Through Love and Heartbreak
The Last Five Years tells a poignant tale that intertwines love, heartache, and the passage of time through beautiful music. It captures a relationship from that sweet first meeting, all the way through to a heart-wrenching breakup and back again. Produced by PURE Theatre, this particular staging has gotten a fresh twist since it was first performed 15 years ago, giving it a lively and current flair.
Under the guidance of PURE’s Artistic and Executive Director, Sharon Graci, the production aims to bring a richly dramatic and piercingly honest portrayal of the story, making it a must-see for theatre lovers of all ages. “I feel very honored that we will be bringing our musician selves to this production,” shared Houston, expressing his excitement about being part of this venture. He emphasized how special it is to work alongside Graci and his talented co-star, Rice.
Meet the Stars: Manny Houston and Heather Rice
Manny Houston, a talented artist who has taken his craft from Charleston to the bright lights of Broadway, is thrilled to return to his roots. Recently, he made his Broadway debut in ILLINOISE: A NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL and toured with the hit show FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME. “Ever since seeing Joshua Henry sing the role of Jamie at Town Hall in 2016, I’ve wanted desperately to dig into this role,” Houston said, reflecting on his journey. His passion for the music and the character itself is palpable, and it’s clear he is ready to bring a unique musicality to the role.
On the opposite side, Heather Rice brings her powerful voice and emotional depth to the character of Cathy. Known for her impressive performances with various orchestras and as an opener for popular artists like Joan Osborne and Sheryl Crow, Rice is excited about the challenges this role presents. “Cathy is so deeply feeling and complex. The music is very challenging, and I love singing it!” she shared. Their collaborative spirit has already made a big impression, and the chemistry between them is sure to shine on stage.
Get Your Tickets!
For anyone keen on witnessing this emotional journey through song, tickets for The Last Five Years start at $47 and go up to $53. And don’t worry if you’re on a budget! There will be Pay What You Will performances on November 7th and November 13th, allowing everyone a chance to experience this incredible show. These tickets will be available for online purchase two weeks before opening night, so mark your calendars!
Students can also take advantage of specially priced tickets at just $12 for any performance, making it more accessible for young theatre lovers. Additionally, for those interested in attending multiple shows, the Season 22 Flex Pass is an excellent option available now.
Where to Find More Information
For more details about The Last Five Years, you can head over to PURE’s website or get in touch with their box office at 843.723.4444, available from Tuesday to Friday, 10 am – 4 pm. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to catch a talented cast pouring their hearts into a magical story that resonates with so many.
Collect your friends, reserve your seats, and get ready to embark on this musical journey that dives deep into the highs and lows of love. We promise it will be an unforgettable experience!
