Most stories are told in chronological order from beginning to end. Most of the others are told in flashbacks with the outcome already known. Honolulu will see a third approach to storytelling Wednesday when Hawaii-born actor/director Kimee Balmilero and Stagefish, her new theater company, present the Hawaii premiere performance of Jason Robert Brown’s 2002 off-Broadway hit, “The Last Five Years.”
“I was able to see the original off-Broadway cast when I was living in New York doing ‘Mamma Mia!,’” said Balmilero, who plays medical examiner Dr. Noelani Cunha on CBS’ “Hawaii Five-0.”
“It really takes you through so many different emotions. It affects you in so many ways,” she explained. “The music drives it, the story drives it, and our actors are so wonderful.”
‘THE LAST FIVE YEARS’
Presented by Stagefish
>> Where: Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St.
>> When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
>> Cost: $50
>> Info: 638-3645, stagefish.com
Brown’s story of a failed marriage is told from two perspectives simultaneously — one story is told in conventional chronological order from the couple’s first meeting through their final parting, the other starts with the end of the relationship and goes backward.
Sarah Halford, who plays Cathy Hiatt opposite Jared Ming as Jamie Wellerstein, is “very, very excited” about finally being able to do one of her favorite shows.
“I sang a couple of the songs when I was in grad school but I’ve never gotten to do the whole thing,” Halford said. “I’ve always felt that the piece is so unique and an amazing challenge for an actor to be able to take a swing at and I was overjoyed when Kimee said ‘What about “The Last Five Years?” ’ I’ve always wanted to do that show.”
A second production with a tentative performance date sometime in August might be announced at the performance on Wednesday, Balmilero said. As to the location of the next show, Balmilero “loves Doris Duke” Theatre but is open to other venues on Oahu and possibly the neighbor islands. And, although her background is musical theater of the “Miss Saigon” and “Mamma Mia!” variety, she expects Stagefish to present staged readings, musical revues, cabaret-style shows and concert versions of Broadway musicals that omit the traditional costumes, sets and choreography.
