The Des Moines Social Club’s new play “The Last Five Years” tells the story of a New York couple, Jamie and Cathy, from opposite ends of their relationship. Cathy (played by Kellie Kramer) is mourning the end of her marriage, while from the perspective of Jamie (Craig Peterson), we see how they got started. Also, it’s a musical.
The actors answered a few relationship questions, game show-style, and got inside their characters’ minds to tell us how they would answer.
My dream date:
Craig’s answer: A quiet coffee shop, then a movie
Character Jamie’s answer: Let's stick with the coffee shop, then maybe a boat ride in Central Park
Kellie’s answer: Good food and conversation, thoughtful surprises, a night sky full of stars
Character Cathy’s answer: Great dinner conversation, a boat ride in Central Park, and a slow walk home
I would describe my ideal significant other as:
Craig: Smart, funny, compassionate, loving, devoted
Jamie: Incredibly talented, but afraid to show the world how great she is
Kellie: Smart, funny, creative, organized, a good storyteller and a fan of good scotch
Cathy: Smart, funny, creative, passionate, supportive
Turn-offs/dealbreakers:
Craig: An annoying laugh. Pet/animal haters. Also, I never date anyone I don't think I could take in a fight.
Jamie: Unmotivated people who drift through life without clear direction of where they want to be and want to accomplish
Kellie: Bad hygiene, smoking, text speak, selfishness
Cathy: Thoughtlessness, heavy metal drummers, snakes
____ is a movie that makes me believe in true love:
Craig: “Moulin Rouge”
Jamie: “Annie Hall”
Kellie: The opening of “Up”
Cathy: “The Princess Bride”
My hobbies, interests:
Craig: Writing, singing, playing guitar, acting, time with my wife, daughter
Jamie: Writing, attending book signings, beers with the bros
Kellie: Eating fries, playing the ukulele, genealogy
Cathy: Vietnamese food, and reading anything by Jamie Wellerstein
Favorite romantic song:
Craig: “Arms of a Woman” by Amos Lee
Jamie: “The Way You Look Tonight” by Tony Bennett
Kellie: “Something” by The Beatles
Cathy: “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel
‘The Last Five Years’
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Des Moines Social Club, 400 Walnut St.
Cost: $14-$20
Info: desmoinessocialclub.org
