Flashback Theater Co. (FbTC) is bringing a unique experience to Somerset this holiday season. Celebrated composer Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years has dazzled audiences on-and-off Broadway, on the silver screen in 2014 film adaptation; and now December 12-20th at Somerset First United Methodist Church. The show’s team represents some of Flashback’s best musical talent: Director Billy Christopher Maupin, Music Director Theresa Jean Kibby, and leading actors Jenny Cleberg and Michael Taylor. This uniquely touching musical tale is one performance you don’t want to miss! Single tickets for The Last Five Years are now on sale during regular box office hours Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by calling Flashback or visiting 209 E Mount Vernon Street. Audiences are strongly encouraged to reserve tickets in advance, as FbTC’s musical productions are known to sell out quickly.
About the Story
The Last Five Years portrays a deeply-moving love story between Cathy and Jamie; a young couple living in New York City. Cathy is chasing her dreams of being an actor, while Jamie is an up-and-coming author. You can imagine how two people chasing artistic passions could find solace in each other. But, our story is not simply about their love. The Last Five Years tells the story of Cathy and Jamie’s relationship non-linearly. Cathy begins at their breakup, while Jamie starts at the beginning. The two only meet once – in the middle of the show, at their bittersweet wedding. Through an exciting pop-rock score, Jamie and Cathy’s story gives us a glimpse into the loss, passion, love, and struggle that is universal to human relationships.
A Note from the Director
“I was introduced to this musical when I was first really falling in love with musical theatre.” says Director Billy Christopher Maupin. He’s delighted to finally be tackling this piece: “(I’m drawn in by) The emotional honesty of the piece, it’s unconventional structure (with Cathy’s timeline moving backwards and Jamie’s moving forward), along with the rich and complex musical themes that punctuate and highlight those emotions are mesmerizing.” Billy Christopher Maupin directed FbTC’s smash-hit musical production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 2023. In Virginia, his productions of Dave Malloy’s Preludes and Carrie the Musical were met with Richmond Theatre Critics Circle Awards for Best Director of a Musical, while his production of Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour earned him a Tabby Award for Best Director.
About the Cast and Production Team
Joining Billy Christopher Maupin on the production team is Theresa Jean Kibby as Music Director. Alongside her role as the Music Director of First Presbyterian Church, Kibby also has extensive experience at Flashback. She has both performed in musicals (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Little Shop of Horrors), and serving as music director (The Pirates of Penzance). The set and costume will be designed by Sommer Schoch, and the production will be stage managed by Renate Dopp.
Jenny Cleberg, will take on the leading role of Cathy. Cleberg is the Director of Choirs and Theater at Southwestern High School and the Director of Choir at Somerset United Methodist Church. Michael Taylor, whose resume includes Dollywood and Six Flags, will play her Jamie.
Why You Should See the Show
Maupin believes that this piece is truly for everyone. It captures something universal: “We’ve all loved someone or something deeply. And we’ve experienced loss. What remains is the memory of that. This intimate and deeply human piece allows each audience member to see their own story reflected. This isn’t just a love story. It’s a sort of meditation on time and growth and memory. The way we hold on to the people who have changed us. Not to mention getting to experience these glorious actors and musicians at the top of their game unlocking this stunning piece and sharing it with an audience.”
Performance Dates and Times
Friday, December 12, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 14, 2:30 p.m.
Friday, December 19, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 20, 2:30 p.m.
Ticket Information
Single tickets for each individual production are available for purchase throughout the year at the box office or online. Learn more at https://www.flashbacktheater.co/events/
Purchase online at this link or by visiting the box office in person at 209A E Mount Vernon St. during office hours, or by calling the box office at (888) 394-3282, ext. 1. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Single ticket pricing for the 12th Season of Flashback productions will be:
Adults – $23 Advance, $25 Door
Students – $12 Advance, $15 Door
Seniors – $20 Advance and Door
Sponsors
The Last Five Years is brought to you in part by support from our Design Sponsors: South Kentucky RECC, Huffman and Huffman P.S.C., Citizens National Bank, Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, and Southern Kentucky Eye.
Flashback Theater Co. is grateful to our 2025-26 Starlight Sponsors: Applied Behavioral Advancements, The City of Somerset, Kentucky Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet, and The Shubert Foundation. Spotlight Sponsor: M&W Printing; as well as our Footlight Sponsors: David Daring Rentals,, First & Farmers National Bank, The Weigel Family, United Cumberland Bank, T. Ronald Kidd Trust, and Somerset Community College.
The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Flashback Theater Co. with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.