August 13, 2020

“…the show is absolutely amazing. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen at Springfield Little Theatre.” — Jason Wert, Ozarks Independent

Springfield Little Theatre’s 86th season is already drawing rave reviews. The curtain goes up on “The Last Five Years” Aug. 13 at the historic Landers Theatre and runs through Aug. 30. It’s a perfect chance to get out of the oppressive August heat and into some air conditioning while you support the arts in Downtown Springfield.

The Last Five Years

“The Last Five Years,” directed by Josh Inmon, will challenge you. The musical, written and composed by Jason Robert Brown, follows New York 20-somethings Cathy and Jamie as they fall in and out of love. The way that story is told, however, is unconventional.

Cathy tells her version of the story backwards. Jamie tells her story chronologically. The two characters only meet on stage once, at their wedding in the middle of the show. Music director Parker Payne accompanies every song in the 85-minute-long musical on piano.

The Last Five Years is rated PG-13. It contains adult themes, sexual references and occasional strong language.

Rave reviews

Wert attended a sneak preview of the show Aug. 12 and, clearly, came away impressed. He called Aryn Bohannon’s portrayal of Cathy, “one of the best performances to ever grace the Landers stage.” Dillon Savage impressed Wert as Jamie. “It takes a very capable actor to make such an unlikable character so watchable.”

Tickets for the show range from $20-$30. Wert says it’s worth your money as well as your time.

“If this is the level of show we can expect from Springfield Little Theatre in its 86th season, this community better get ready for the best round of productions ever to grace the Landers Stage. The Last Five Years is a huge surprise, a giant hit, and a star vehicle for Aryn Bohannon.”

Keeping it safe

The Springfield Little Theatre team is going above and beyond to make sure attending a production is safe. They’ve reduced their seating capacity and will select seats for their guests to ensure physical distancing. But that’s not all.

• At this time, masks will be required by all audience members, staff and volunteers
• Temperature checks will be conducted upon arrival
• Concessions will not be available during this time
• Hand sanitizer will be placed around the theatre for your use. Thorough cleaning before, during and after the performances will be done by theatre staff and volunteers.
• To limit congestion in the lobby following the performance, we will dismiss the audience by rows. The lobby will be closed for gatherings following the performances

Find out more

Intrigued? Need more information? Visit springfieldlittletheatre.org or call 417-869-1334 Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Springfield Little Theatre and the Landers Theatre are located at 311 East Walnut St., in Downtown Springfield.