“The Last Five Years” by Jason Robert Brown opened to an invited audience Thursday night at the Musical Theater Guild's William A. Lehnerd Production Center.

This unique production detailed the rise and fall of a five-year-long relationship in the challenging and usual chronological storytelling style. The intimate seating draws the audience virtually into the middle of the couple's relationship while the actors share the stage for only one song. Although they may interact little with one another on stage, the actor's connection to the audience is intense.

Matt Leslie portrayed Jamie Wellerstein, a writer who found his muse in Catherine Hiatt, played by Whitney Angeloni Ruediger. The show opens with Ruediger reading the dear Catherine letter that summarized the ending of their relationship with the number “Still Hurting.” It was emotional with all the stuff of a woman scorned. Her first song began at year five of the ill-fated relationship.

Scene two opens up with an energetic Leslie singing “Shiksa Goddess” where he enthusiastically croons about his excitement meeting the woman who makes him come alive. His first number touts the first year of their relationship. “The Schmuel Song” was also a crowd pleaser by Leslie as the song told a story about a tailor who turned back time.

The sets are minimal and props few, save for the large clock on the floor that keeps track of the time marching forward or backward depending on the which actor is singing. It was a neat reminder of whether the audience was watching life in fast forward or rewind.

The actors finally had their connecting moment before intermission as their stories crossed paths at their engagement in “The Next Ten Minutes” a sweet offering. The song celebrated the commitment of the couple and showcased their upper octaves. This pair had no issues with the high notes.

After intermission the cycle continued with Leslie moving forward throughout and Ruediger traveling back in time to their initial meeting. Leslie hit bottom in “Nobody Needs to Know,” a haunting lament about a big mistake with grave consequences and choosing to go down a path to another love.

Ruediger's vocal and comedic skills had the opportunity to shine after the intermission with her “Climbing Uphill,” a song of life in the audition lane with great tempo and timing. “I Can Do Better Than That” was a hopeful look at the future which gave her big sound an opportunity to be heard.

Jessica Sanzotti served as musical director for this show which was filled with lovely music, truly a toe-tapping score delivered well.

Brady Patsy directed the show and his vision for the focus to be on the actors only culminated into an intimate introspective theater experience.

From the first note to the last, from the first memory to the final goodbye, “The First Five Years” was an emotionally charged look at love and what it takes to keep it growing and what causes it to die.

The story is actually based on the author's own relationship. At the conclusion of the show each night the cast and crew will take the stage to answer any questions.

A few uses of adult language and content might make this unsuitable for some.

Tickets are still available by calling 724-287-8243 or purchase online at www.mtgbutler.org. Seating is limited.

WHAT: Musical Theatre Guild’s Production of “The Last Five Years” by Jason Robert BrownWHEN: 7:30 p.m. today, Saturday and April 7 and 8; 3 p.m. April 9WHERE: William A. Lehnerd Production Center in Butler Memorial ParkTICKETS: $17; call 724-287-8243 or purchase online at www.mtgbutler.org