Trivia / The Last Five Years

• Acclaimed Flop: Everyone who saw the movie seems to like it, with particular praise going to the acting. Even most of the stage version's diehard fans like it; no small feat for any adaptation, but especially a film adaptation of a musical. Unfortunately, it saw a very limited release and was a Box Office Bomb, though it is now available through major streaming platforms and has found an audience there.
• The Cast Show Off: Given that it's a two person show, Jamie's actor has songs that are over 6 minutes long, and the portrayer has to have a giant vocal range. Most of Cathy's songs are difficult to sing, so the actress must be a talented singer (usually a mezzo) to play the part.
• Cut Song: At least two that we know of:
  • Cathy's second song was originally "What's Wrong With Him?", a comedy song with Cathy on the couch, singing to her psychologist. Apparently the joke outstayed its welcome and it was replaced with "See I'm Smiling".
  • In the original Chicago production, Jamie's first song was "I Could Be In Love With Someone Like You", a more nervy first-date number. That song in particular was the subject of an injunction by Brown's ex-wife, with whom Brown had an agreement that he wouldn't write about their marriage; several details in the show were changed to mollify her, and this song was worked into "Shiksa Goddess".
• Dyeing for Your Art: Anna Kendrick dyed her hair blonde for the role of Cathy in the 2014 film.
• The Other Marty: In the original run in Chicago, before it premiered off-Broadway, Cathy was played by Lauren Kennedy. She left when she was offered the lead role in the West End revival of South Pacific, and was replaced by Sherie Rene Scott.
• Production Posse: Both off-Broadway productions, as well as the Town Hall concert with Josh Henry and Cynthia Errivo, had Gary Sieger and Randy Landau on acoustic guitar and electric fretless bass, respectively, Brown's bandmates from his side gig, The Caucasian Rhythm Kings. The film used the same band from the 2013 off-Broadway revival.
• Write Who You Know: To the point that Brown's ex-wife Theresa O'Neill sued him. Tropes Are Not Good, Jason!