Lakeland Civic Theatre presents “The Last Five Years,” an award-winning musical running Sept. 16 through Oct. 2 in the college’s Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, 44094.

Lakeland is located at the I-90 East/ Route 306 exit. Free parking is available.

Performance dates: Sept. 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sept. 18, 25 and Oct. 2 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $7 for students. Tickets can be purchased by calling 440.525.7134 or online at lakelandcc.edu/arts.

About the play

This Drama Desk Award-winning play for Outstanding Music and Lyrics was written by Jason Robert Brown and premiered at Chicago's Northlight Theatre and was then produced off-Broadway. The story explores a five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist and Cathy Hiatt,a struggling actress. The show uses a form of storytelling in which Cathy's story is told in reverse chronological order (beginning the show at the end of the marriage), and Jamie's is told in chronological order (starting just after the couple have first met). The characters do not directly interact except for a wedding song in the middle as their timelines intersect. Through music and dialogue, this play is an unconventional glance into love and life compartmentalized.

The play is directed by Dr. Martin Friedman with musical direction by Jordan Cooper. Actors Neely Gevaart and Jason Leupold star as Cathy and Jamie.

About Lakeland Civic Theatre

Lakeland Civic Theatre produces two shows annually where members of the community can enjoy exceptional play productions that range in themes from classical literature to the avant-garde, famed musicals to beloved comedies. Performers can include equity actors, community members and students. These professional productions take place in the 400-seat Rodehorst Performing Arts Center, where every seat has a great view of the state and the feel of an intimate theater setting.

In addition to productions, Lakeland’s theater program also offers classes that include the following: two survey courses in the history of theater; and classes in voice and movement, scene study, set construction and lighting and sound. Students are afforded opportunities to perform in the Lakeland Civic Theatre or be pa part of the production crew, where they gain a great deal of hands-on work experience using state-of-the-art technology.

Lakeland’s faculty is drawn from the ranks of professional actors/directors and those who currently work in radio and television broadcasting.

By: Colleen Marble, Marketing Communications Spcls