Adrienne Warren Shines in The Last Five Years Revival; Nick Jonas Performance Draws Scrutiny at Hudson Theatre

New York, NY – A much-anticipated revival of Jason Robert Brown’s acclaimed musical, “The Last Five Years,” has opened at the Hudson Theatre, featuring pop superstar Nick Jonas and Tony Award-winning actress Adrienne Warren. Directed by Whitney White, the production aims to bring a fresh perspective to the intimate, emotionally charged story of a relationship’s beginning and end, told from two different timelines.

Production Aesthetics and Direction

Under White’s direction, the production is described as notably sleek and unpretentious, favoring a minimalist approach that allows the focus to remain squarely on the two performers and the powerful, complex score. The visual atmosphere is significantly enhanced by the work of lighting designer Stacey Derosier, whose contributions are highlighted as particularly lovely lighting, contributing significantly to the mood and shifting emotional landscape of the narrative.

Adrienne Warren’s Commanding Performance

According to critical reception, the heart of this revival beats strongest in Adrienne Warren’s portrayal of Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress. Warren, known for her dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess, delivers what is widely described as a luminous performance. Reviewers suggest that the role of Cathy, and indeed the entire production, belongs unquestionably to her, underscoring the depth and impact she brings to the character’s journey through heartbreak and disillusionment. Her command of the stage and the emotional nuances of Cathy’s story are cited as the production’s undeniable highlight.

Nick Jonas’s Portrayal of Jamie

Conversely, Nick Jonas takes on the role of Jamie Wellerstein, a rising writer whose success strains the relationship. While Jonas’s casting brought considerable attention to the production, his performance has reportedly received mixed reviews. Critics note that his portrayal of Jamie is perceived as lacking nuance, struggling to fully embody the complexities and often frustrating aspects of the character. The performance has been characterized by one reviewer as a look-at-me performance, suggesting it occasionally prioritizes star power over the intricate emotional truth required for the role, potentially detracting from the delicate balance needed for Brown’s two-hander.

Unaddressed Thematic Challenges

The musical itself presents inherent challenges, particularly regarding the character of Jamie, whose actions throughout the narrative can be perceived as problematic. The review notes that this particular production, despite its strengths in direction and visual design, does not fully address these problematic aspects of Jamie’s character. This perceived oversight means the narrative’s darker undertones and Jamie’s controversial choices may not be explored with the depth some critics felt necessary, leaving the audience to grapple with his character’s motivations and impact on Cathy without significant interpretive guidance from the staging.

Conclusion

In summary, the revival of “The Last Five Years” at the Hudson Theatre under Whitney White’s direction offers a visually appealing and stripped-down take on the beloved musical, featuring notable technical elements like Stacey Derosier’s lighting. While Adrienne Warren delivers a critically acclaimed, luminous performance that elevates the production and firmly establishes the show as belonging to her, Nick Jonas’s portrayal of Jamie has drawn criticism for lacking nuance and being a look-at-me performance. Furthermore, the production’s approach to the problematic aspects of Jamie’s character is noted as potentially underdeveloped, presenting a mixed critical reception for this high-profile limited engagement.