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‘The Last 5 Years’ is down to its last five shows

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Stephanie Rose Manhit

The Last 5 Years is down to its last five shows this weekend, October 27 to 29, 2023.Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s first international musical was met with such positive reviews that it is already on its extended run.#L5Y2023 first opened its doors last September 29 at Power Mac Center’s Spotlight Blackbox Theater at Circuit Makati. For the 2023 run, the play is headlined by on- and off-stage couple Gab Pangilinan and Myke Salomon.The CompanY’s Sweet Tiongson and OJ Mariano noted that their tandem was a thing of magic.“‘Yung chemistry nila as a couple after getting married, merong magical spark — nakakakilig and at the same time it was so much more painful,” they observed. It can be recalled that the two just tied the knot this year, after a heartwarming onstage proposal that made the rounds on social media. Gab and Myke were both part of the production Mula Sa Buwan, and Myke popped the question after the show’s closing night. Yet again, the newlyweds share the stage in this off-Broadway musical by Jason Robert Brown that tells the bittersweet love story of Cathy and Jamie over the course of their five-year relationship. Actresses Angel Aquino and Iana Bernardez were in awe of Gab and Myke’s singing, taking note of the fact that the show runs for 90 minutes straight with no intermission.“Ang galing! They made it look so easy,” said mother and daughter. “They made you feel things.”The Last 5 Years was first staged in Manila twenty years ago, with theatre veterans Audie Gemora and Lea Salonga playing the leads. The second run was in 2014, with Nikki Gil and Joaquin Valdez taking their turn on stage. Audie was all smiles as he witnessed the talent of the couple he considers close to his heart. “I love those two people, Myke and Gab,” said the veteran actor. “They were so young when they started, and to see them now in their element and being right there, front and center, I’m just so happy. I’m like a proud father.”He also praised the way Myke portrayed the character that he once played himself. “It’s a fresh attack, it’s young,” he said. “I love the singing. The two of them, grabe! I don’t think I hit those notes the way Myke did. Gab was amazing, and I’m so proud of them.”“It’s a wonderful show, and it was very well performed,” he added.What makes this narrative particularly interesting is how the story is told from two ends of the timeline. Cathy’s story begins at the end of their relationship, while Jamie’s story begins at the start of it. Their stories intersect once: in the middle of their relationship, during their wedding. This type of storytelling could have confused the audience, but the stage design made it easy to follow. The stage was a strip that ran across the middle of the room, serving as a visual timeline of the couple’s love story. Award-winning actress Dolly de Leon admitted that it was the first time she watched the show.“I am not at all familiar with this material. I only got a hint because of the title,” she shared. “In the beginning, I didn’t know what as happening yet.”Dolly was pleasantly surprised with the way the story unfolded. “You know, I usually have a problem with non-linear kinds of productions, but with this one, the staging was so clear to me,” she said. “The staging of Topper (Fabregas) was just beautiful. The performances were just so painful.”“Gab and Myke were wonderful. I felt everything. I cried so many times,” Dolly added. “I loved it. It’s a beautiful work of art.”The end of their love story is no surprise, but what really draws the audience in is the masterful storytelling of the ups and downs of a young couple’s journey. Jason Robert Brown’s music that featured a mix of pop, rock, and jazz came alive with live performances under the musical direction of Rony Fortich. Gab and Myke’s vocal prowess bring the heart-wrenching emotion of the lyrics to the forefront. All tickets to the closing shows are already sold out. Only three more shows remain, with very limited seating left. Get those tickets while you still can! Tickets are available via www.ticket2me.net or bit.ly/l5yorderform.

Dolly de Leon and other veteran actors weigh in on what makes ‘The Last 5 Years’ a show to remember.

Dolly de Leon and other veteran actors weigh in on what makes ‘The Last 5 Years’ a show to remember.

‘The Last 5 Years’ is down to its last five shows

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‘The Last 5 Years’ is down to its last five shows

Ann Manhit

Published October 27, 2023 04:05 PM PHT

Read More:

The Last 5 Years

L5Y2023

The Barefoot Collective

Gab Pangilinan

Myke Salomon

Dolly de Leon

Augie Gemora

Philippine theatre

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