Notes From New York, the popular series of performances showcasing new musical theatre, will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a gala performance of Jason Robert Brown’s The Last 5 Years.
Notes From New York regulars Julie Atherton and Paul Spicer will star in the production, to be held at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 12 October, which is a fitting tribute to the past five years of Notes From New York’s creative journey; Brown was one of the first composers to have his work featured in the productions.
Brown’s song cycle tells of the passionate relationship between published novelist Jamie and aspiring actress Cathy. While Jamie tells his story chronologically, Cathy tells it in reverse, ending with the first exciting moments of love. The Last 5 Years premiered in Chicago in 2001 and received its London debut five years later, in 2006 at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
Notes From New York was first staged in 2003 with the aim of bringing the work of contemporary musical composers to the West End stage. After five productions focusing on US composers, the series expanded to include Not(es) From New York, which featured British composers Charles Miller and Grant Olding, seasonal offering Christmas In New York, and most recent show Notes In Heels, which featured three female songwriters.
Atherton and Spicer are both Associate Artists of Notes From New York and regularly appear in the productions.
Atherton originated the roles of Lucy The Slut and Kate Monster in the West End production of Avenue Q. Her other London credits include Mamma Mia! and Fame. Prior to The Last 5 Years, Atherton will appear in the charity gala A Spoonful Of Stiles And Drewe, which is to be staged at Her Majesty’s in July. Spicer, who co-founded Notes From New York, has previously appeared in the West End productions of Taboo and The Witches Of Eastwick.
MA