91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Theater will launch the new school year with four performances of the student-directed play “The Last Five Years,” a contemporary musical comedy that will star 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ seniors Stephen Kniss and Kelsey Landes.

Stephen Kniss and Kelsey Landes are featured performers in “The Last Five Years,” also directed by Kniss. (Photo by Jon Styer)
The 90-minute play, written and composed by Jason Robert Brown, is being presented 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 and the same times Sept. 1, 3 and 4 on the Thomas Plaza of the 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Campus Center. There is a short intermission.
Kniss directs for second time
Kniss, who also directs the show, calls is “a realistic, poignant look at a five-year relationship between a writer and actor, from the first date to the end, told from both points of view. It has beautiful music, and anyone who’s been in a long-term relationship should be able to relate to the play.”
Kniss, a vocal performance and digital media major from Chicago, made his directing debut in November 2009 with “ANON(ymous),” by Naomi Iizuka. He later , 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ’s student newspaper.
Students and alums behind the scenes
Piano accompaniment is by 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ sophomore Phillip Martin and Goshen (Ind.) College graduate Josh Tyson.
Set designer is 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ junior Jamie Hiner; light designer is Mark Fenton, 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ alumnus; and stage managers are 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ alumna Sarah Harder and 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ junior Susan Alexander.
General admission to the play is $5. Tickets are available by calling 540-432-4360 will also be available at the door.