First Look at THE LAST 5 YEARS, Starring Nikki Gil, Joaquin Valdes

Manila, Philippines--Members of the press got the first glimpse at 9 Works Theatrical's fifth anniversary offering, Jason Robert Brown's hit Off-Broadway musical and two-hander THE LAST 5 YEARS, starring one of the theater company's favorite leading ladies, Nikki Gil, and Joaquin Valdes, last night at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City. Directed by Robbie Guevara, the production opens tonight, August 9.

THE LAST 5 YEARS, which won the Drama Desk Awards for Best Music and Best Lyrics in 2002, explores the five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein (Valdes), a rising novelist, and Cathy Hyatt (Gil), a struggling theater actress. Cathy's story is told in reverse chronological order; her opening scene begins at the end of her marriage with Jamie. Meanwhile, Jamie's story is told in (normal) chronological order; his opening scene begins when he first met Cathy. These characters do not directly interact except for the wedding scene ("The Next 10 Minutes") right smack in the middle of the show as Jamie and Cathy's timelines intersect.

For this production, 9 Works Theatrical has gathered scenographer Mio Infante, video and projection designer GA Fallarme, musical director Joseph Tolentino, lighting designer Martin Esteva, sound designer Chuck Ledesma, hair and makeup designer Myrene Santos, technical director Gerhard Daco, and musical director (vocals) Lionel Guico to tell the "time-sensitive" ill-fated romance between Jamie and Cathy.

THE LAST 5 YEARS will run on weekends, until Sunday, August 31, 2014.

For tickets, visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Photos: Oliver Oliveros