The Last Five Years Brings Heartbreak and Hope to NextStop Theatre

NextStop Theatre in Herndon will continue its 2025-26 season with The Last Five Years, Jason Robert Brown's beloved and emotionally charged musical about love, ambition, and heartbreak. Performances will run from October 30 through November 23, 2025, at 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon, Virginia.

The Last 5 Years at NextStop Theatre

Fresh from a recent Broadway revival starring Nick Jonas, and long adored by fans of the 2014 film featuring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan, The Last Five Years brings its unique storytelling structure to the intimate NextStop stage. The musical traces the rise and fall of a relationship between two New Yorkers—Jamie, a novelist on the brink of success, and Cathy, an actress fighting for her big break. Told from opposing timelines—Jamie's story moving forward while Cathy's unfolds in reverse—the show captures the tension between love and personal ambition in ways that feel both timeless and deeply personal.

The production is directed by Aria Velz, who returns to NextStop following her celebrated, sold-out run of Kim's Convenience at Olney Theatre. Lucia Lanave provides musical direction, following her success leading NextStop's Footloose, a Helen Hayes Recommended production. The creative team also includes Megan Holden (scenic design), Imari Pyles (costumes), Hailey LaRoe (lighting), Marty Bernier (props), Lex Allenbaugh (sound), and Ellen Powers (dramaturgy).

Audiences will see Caelyn Williams (Finn at the Kennedy Center) as Cathy and Ben Clark (Next to Normal at Round House Theatre) as Jamie. Understudies Sophia Early and Henry Metcalf—who appeared in Footloose—round out the cast.

"The Last Five Years is a musical that speaks to anyone who has ever pursued a dream while navigating the challenges of life and relationships," said Producing Artistic Director Heather Lanza. "We are thrilled to bring this intimate, powerful story to Herndon and to showcase such incredible talent on our stage."

NextStop will also host special events during the run, including a $30 Under 40 Happy Hour on Friday, November 7 before the evening show, an Artist Talkback after the November 8 matinee, and a Topical Talkback on November 14 following the 8:00 PM performance.

Located just minutes from Reston Town Center and the Herndon Silver Line Metro Station, NextStop Theatre has built a reputation for producing acclaimed, community-centered work that blends local artistry with professional excellence. The Last Five Years promises to continue that tradition, offering DC-area audiences a moving, intimate night of theatre that captures the joys and sorrows of love across time.