Q&A: Catching up with cast of The Last Five Years

Danielle: From church to karaoke, I grew up singing and being around music because it’s such a big part of connection in Filipino culture. So, my love for the performing arts really started at a young age and has always been a part of my life!
I’m going to be honest here, but I actually didn’t know Musical Theatre existed until late in High School. I always knew that I loved singing and performing but the power of storytelling was what drew me in and I decided to keep going with Musical Theatre! I auditioned for the Bachelor of Musical Theatre course at The Queensland Conservatorium and it all started from there! 

Rob: How far back do I go?! My wonderful Sicilian roots have always surrounded me with music from the moment I could breathe, but I personally discovered my love of performing through dance growing up. I fell in love with Ballet first, then that passion kind of set the flame alight for other avenues of creativity - music, singing, tap dancing, acting, composing. I trained so long and hard hoping to get into the Australian Ballet School; But after 3 years of rejections I decided to hang up the ballet shoes and channel my love for performing through acting, singing, and playing guitar. This led me to studying Musical Theatre in Melbourne for three years. The rest…as they say…is history!

Danielle: A dreamer, optimistic and dedicated.
Rob: Curious. Ambitious. Restless legs…oh damn that’s 2 words. Maybe just restless…I just picture him never still. I’ll go with restless… Also that’s 1 word.

Danielle: Cathy’s journey as a young actress is like mine in some ways! I relate to her eagerness and the insecurities that come with miles and piles of auditions! I’ve felt the disappointments and the wins that come along in that journey, but I’m different to Cathy in a way that I’ve never put huge pressure on myself as a performer…Especially in times like this, it’s a good reminder for artists not to put your worth in the work!
Rob: What excites me, and how I, Robert, connect best with Jamie is through being flawed. Being imperfect. It’s that wonderful imperfection yet the dance we torture ourselves with to “get it right.” We share the human condition of imperfection…Also we’re both writers…Probably should have lead with that that.

Danielle: Paris is always a good idea…but I want a chance to live my “Coastal Grandmother in a Nancy Meyers movie” dream, so anywhere in the California Coast is a good idea too!
Rob: One of my favourite cities in the world is Rome. I have family there and I’m a total sucker for Roman history- I have visited so many times, I just keep going back! 

Danielle: This was the first show that I went full Theatre Nerd about at 17 years old. During my first day of Uni, we had to go around and say what our dream role was and I said Cathy in The Last Five Years. I never would have thought that this show would come back to Brisbane, so the fact that I’m “A Part Of That” is pretty exciting! (also A Part Of That is one of Cathy songs lol)
Rob: It sounds obvious but I truly mean it when I say I am so excited just to have the chance to be on a stage again, working in the realm that I feel most comfortable. Within the show, I am excited to bring a new energy and perspective to a piece that is two decades old. I am also excited that The Last Five Years is La Boite’s first big musical and to be able to be ‘a part of that’ is such a joy (pardon the pun, but I had to).

Danielle: I think the reason why this show is so loved and still significant is because we long for connection and relationships for many of us can be messy and hard work. To me, musicals about relationships are nothing new or groundbreaking but The Last Five Years is so specific to the experience of two artists who are trying to make it work. We see their mess, the struggle to compromise, the miscommunications, the highs and the lows…The Last Five Years is still relevant today because it shows that relationships and breakups are never truly black and white.
Rob: For as long as we continue to experience connection (or disconnection); Especially after the last few years gone, this show will be truthful. Things have certainly changed over the last 20 years since this show was written, but I do think this show in all its exploration, curiosity and complexity, can articulate a kind of timelessness. The intrinsically human yearning for happiness, success and love is what pumps life into this show, and as long as people continue to chase those things, I think this show will still offer an exciting world for creatives to play within… Plus the songs are bloody catchy!

Danielle: What I admire most about his craft is that it always feel fresh and never stale! I love that his songs aren’t stuck to a traditional way of delivery, especially in the The Last Five Years. He gives the artist room to explore new choices and a chance to make it their own.
Rob: The concept is so simple yet the execution is so detailed and clear in intention. I admire the way he has so effectively and seamlessly used the reverse timelines of the two characters to create perspective and of course the songs are just so strong and coherent together but also would all totally work as stand alone pieces.

Danielle: Anyone and everyone! Especially artists, musicians and anyone in the creative industry.
Rob: The demographic is so wide! I’d say anyone who can relate to the themes of ‘relationships’ or ‘connection’…plus anyone wanting to get a fresh taste of La Boite theatre in full swing…

Danielle: A perfect Sunday for me would include : church, a great lunch, a great nap and great company!
Rob: Reading, Nintendo Switch, going for a long walk while listening to music (surprisingly- or unsurprisingly- NOT Musical Theatre!), then watching a cartoon - right now I have taken a nostalgic deep dive back into Studio Ghibli in preparation of introducing it to my little nephews…but secretly the “preparation” is more for my benefit!