Backstage’s very own, Nicole Sanchez, got to visit the Lucille Lortel Theatre for an exclusive look at the show that’s taking the world by storm. The Last Five Years, based off of the popular novel by Jamie Wellerstein, is a musical sharing the ups and downs of his previous relationship. Nicole sat down with stars Adam Kantor and Cathy Hiatt to get the inside scoop.
N.S: What was your reaction to getting one out of two lead roles?
A.K: (turning to look at his co-star before answering.) “I was ecstatic. I had been to a few other auditions that week and after being rejected over and over, I was beginning to get discouraged.” C.H: “I mean, it’s a real New York staged show. That says most of it.”
N.S: What did you learn from this experience so far?
A.K: “I was surprised about this, but I actually learned a lot about being a professional. Mostly from my lovely Cathy over here. She has such a poise that working with her makes me feel like the real deal.” C.H: “Thank you. - I learned a lot about myself, that’s for sure.” (laughs)
N.S: Pick three words to describe the show.
A.K: “Passionate, journey, and heartfelt.” C.H: “Oh, jeez. Life, personal... Overwhelming.”
(Kantor gets called over to wardrobe so we have a minute alone with Hiatt.)
N.S: Now, I’m sure you knew that this was coming, but I have to ask. What is it like working with your ex-husband on such a personal show?
C.H: “It’s interesting, to say the least. It was something we both had to get over to be professional.”
N.S: Were you angry with him for showing this to the public?
C.H: “When I first found out, of course I was. After a while, once I pushed my feelings aside, I was proud. He’s living his dreams, and if it so happens that one of the books he has written was a personal experience, so be it. Most well-written authors make their novels personal. It’s how they connect with their audiences. I just wish he had changed my name, but he knows that.”
N.S: How has your relationship changed throughout this experience?
C.H: “Well we went from not talking at all to seeing each other daily so that was an experience in itself. I’m happy to have him back in my life now and that’s that.”
(Hiatt excuses herself, ending our interview.)