Yes, I’d like you to read this review, but it’s more important that you make plans to see The Last Five Years at MusicalFare’s Cabaret Musical series. It’s a limited run to January 26 and if opening night is an indication, this show will sell out pretty fast. So, OK, pause your reading and click here.

OK, welcome back.

The book and score were penned by Jason Robert Brown (the original production was actually delayed by a series of lawsuits and counter suits between Brown and his ex-wife because the plotline mirrored their own failed relationship too closely.) and it uses an interesting storytelling technique. Cathy is reflecting on their union looking back in time while Jamie starts his story on the day they met. The only time they directly interact is their proposal and marriage, halfway through this gorgeous 90-minute single act.

This show has been around the better of 25 years and has been produced in Western New York a handful of times, but this staging with wife and husband Kelly Copps as Cathy and Steve Copps as Jamie is absolutely breathtaking. There’s no dialogue, just Brown’s stunning score masterfully played by Theresa Quinn, Larry Albert, and Jay Wollin on piano, guitar, and bass and cello respectively, and exquisitely interpreted by Copps and Copps and a little theatre of the mind, too.

Kelly and Steve are both familiar faces on our regional stages and this production brings out something different in them both. You really see his change from baseball-capped budding novelist to sophisticated literary star. You feel the depth of her disappointment at a stalled career and chasm in her marriage. Yes, it’s their skill as actors and their ability to pour their hearts into beautifully crafted songs, and it’s nicely punctuated by Eric Deeb Weaver’s deft direction.

The lyrics are beautifully powerful, emotional, and sometimes downright funny. Jamie’s delight at meeting his “Shiksa Goddess” and Cathy’s description of her goofy summer stock castmates in “A Summer in Ohio” are hilarious. And then Jamie crafts a story of ambition and encouragement for Cathy (“The Schmuel Song”) that is tender and loving. His “If I Didn’t Believe in You” is passion packed, too, just as Cathy’s “I’m a Part of That” is a balance of wonder and the beginning of disappointment. They nail every note, every moment, every nuance.

The Cabaret stage is a small one, so Chris Cavanagh’s set design relied on rustic crates and boxes with some nicely composed projections to suggest alternate venues. The up and back timing was nicely suggested by Kari Drozd and Susan Drozd’s costuming and hair design.

This is an emotional roller coaster that you’ll want to ride. There’s only eight more performances to January 26: don’t miss this one. Find details on www.musicalfare.com.