COEUR d'ALENE - The perspectives of a relationship between a writer and an actress will be performed in a unique chronology when "The Last Five Years" comes to The Modern Theater Coeur d'Alene's stage Jan. 9.

"The Last Five Years," written by Jason Robert Brown, is a musical that examines the five-year relationship of writer Jamie Wellerstein (played by Robby French) and his wife, actress Cathy Hiatt (Aubrey Shimek-Davis).

Considered a contemporary song-cycle musical, "The Last Five Years" tells the couple's story in opposing orders from both points of view - Cathy's story begins at the end of the relationship while Jamie's begins right after the couple meets. The show's musical score includes a variety of genres, from pop, rock and folk to jazz, Latin and classical.

French is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and the New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Art. His television credits include "All My Children" and "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit." On stage, he has performed as Grantaire in "Les Miserables," Chuck Cranston in "Footloose," Billy in "Some Enchanted Evening" and Ethan in "The Full Monty." He most recently performed as Enjolras in "Les Miserables" with Spokane Civic Theatre and the Spokane Symphony and as Roger Davis in The Modern Theater Coeur d'Alene's award-winning production of "Rent."

Shimek-Davis received her Master of Business Administration from Gonzaga University. Her stage experience includes Laura in "The Glass Menagerie," Mary in "The Women: In Concert," Gypsy Rose Lee in "Gypsy," Cinderella in "Into the Woods," Janet Van de Graaff in "The Drowsy Chaperone" and Roxie Hart in "Chicago, The Musical."

"The Last Five Years," directed by George Green with music by Zachariah Baker, opens at 7:30 p.m. Jan 9 and runs through Jan. 25. Tickets range from $17-$25. The show does contain adult themes and language and may not be suitable for all audience members.

For tickets, show times and info, visit www.themoderntheater.org.

If you go

• "The Last Five Years" opens at 7:30 p.m. Jan 9 and runs through Jan. 25. Tickets range from $17-$25. The show contains adult themes and language and may not be suitable for all audience members.