San Pedro Photographer, John Mattera Exhibits His Work Within THE LAST FIVE YEARS

July 13, 2009 - PRLog -- This production features the photography of John Mattera. Images from the 5-year relationship are displayed above the actors heads throughout the performance, providing the audience with realism and a sense of time.

The Relevant Stage presents Marla McClure and Ray Buffer in Jason Robert Brown’s, THE LAST FIVE YEARS. Performances are August 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 at 8PM, and August 9, 16, and 23 at 2:30PM at Warner Grand Theatre – 478 West 6th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731. Tickets are only $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $5 for 18 & under.

Purchase online at www.therelevantstage.com, or in person at Williams Book Store, Sacred Grounds Coffee House, The Corner Store, Parkhurst Gallery, and Off The Vine. You may also buy tickets in person at the door prior to any performance. For more info call (310) 929-8129.

Warner Grand Theatre, August 7 – August 23: San Pedro’s The Relevant Stage Theatre Company in Residence at Warner Grand Theatre, continues its 2009 season with Tony-Award winning composer Jason Robert Brown's musical love story, THE LAST FIVE YEARS, the bittersweet Off-Broadway hit by the composer and lyricist of such successes as 13, PARADE and SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD.

There are two sides to every love story. When Jamie, a Jewish aspiring-novelist, and Catherine, a Catholic aspiring-actress meet and fall in love it feels like kismet. But in this musical roller-coaster ride, we witness their five-year relationship presented with a timely twist. Funny and uplifting, heartbreaking and poignant, this unique show captures the bliss, pain and ironies of love itself.

THE LAST FIVE YEARS created controversy when it first opened in Illinois in 2001 due to a legal suit threatened by Jason Robert Brown's ex-wife about the material. The show was revised and premiered Off-Broadway in 2002, winning Drama Desk Awards for Best Music and Best Lyrics.

This amazing Off-Broadway hit has inspired, uplifted, and impacted audiences throughout the country with its simplistic ideal and incredibly ingenious design. Witness Jamie and Cathy’s lives cascade before you in opposite directions as opposites fail to attract. Consumed with passion for life, love, and success both are bound to those conflicting decisions between their personal careers, lives, and marriage.

Cathy and Jamie’s relationship has lasted five years. As the story begins, Jamie is at the beginning of the relationship and Cathy is at the end. With inter-cutting scenes, we watch Jamie move forward in time as Cathy moves backward.

THE LAST FIVE YEARS runs from August 7 to August 23, playing Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00pm, and Sunday afternoons at 2:30pm. Ticket prices are $20 General Admission; $15 Students & Senior Citizens (55+) and $5 for Children 18 & under. Tickets may be purchased online through therelevantstage.com, in person at Off The Vine, Williams Book Store, Sacred Grounds Coffee House , The Corner Store and Parkhurst Gallery and also through Brown Paper Tickets: (800) 838-3006, www.brownpapertickets.com.

Directed by TRS’s Artistic Director, Ray Buffer, and music directed by Robert Gross, Assistant directed by Paul Rorie, Stage Managed by Mercie Maes, this captivating musical features Marla McClure as Cathy Hyatt and Ray Buffer as Jamie Wellerstein, with lighting design by Richard Taylor, sound design by Jeremy Plankey

Established in 2007, The Relevant Stage strives to provide affordable quality entertainment that challenges hearts, engages minds and exposes truths.  A federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit philanthropic company, TRS also works to service the community.

Performance Fact Sheet:

WHO: The Relevant Stage Theatre Company
WHAT: THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
WHERE: Warner Grand Theatre
478 W. 6th Street, San Pedro, CA  90731
WHEN: August 7 to August 23
Fridays/Saturdays at 8PM, Sundays at 2:30PM
HOW:  information - therelevantstage.com or call 310.929.8129
General Admission: $20
Students/Seniors: $15
Children (18 & under): $5
Group Discount Rates are also available for parties of 10 or more.
Advanced tickets are also available through Ticket Window, 30 minutes prior to each performance Brown Paper Tickets (800) 838-3006, http://www.brownpapertickets.com ; and other fine outlets, including the Williams Book Store in Downtown San Pedro.

WWW.THERELEVANTSTAGE.COM | PR@THERELEVANTSTAGE.COM

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The Relevant Stage Theatre Company performs in residence at The Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro, CA. TRS' mission is to challenge hearts, engage minds and expose truths. TRS tells relevant stories about the contemporary world we share.