The Fifth Avenue Theatre's Show Talk Series

Show Talks further explore a prodution's topic or theme to help you on your journey to be fully immersed in the show. Tonight, enjoy a conversation between local professionals Ashley McGirt and Paul Getzel, performance, discussions, refreshments, and giveaways!

The Last Five Years chronicles an emotionally powerful and bittersweet five-year relationship between two young adult artists. The show is presented in dual timelines: a "forward linear time" as we follow the story of their relationship from Jamie’s perspective, starting with their first meeting through their wedding and then ultimate breakup and a “reverse timeline” as we follow the story from Cathy’s perspective, starting with their breakup and moving backwards until their first meeting at the end of the show. Made up mostly of solo turns, with beautiful music and alternately humorous and heartfelt lyrics, it is only in the middle of the show that Jamie and Cathy come together as Jamie proposes and the two are wed.

Ashley McGirt is the founder and President of the WA Therapy Fund. She is a psychotherapist, Tedx international speaker, and author who has been featured in Forbes, MSNBC, The young turks, OWN, Bravo, & more. Ashley has received a Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Ashley currently owns and operates her own private practice. In her private practice, she focuses primarily on racial trauma, depression, and anxiety. Ashley actively works toward de-stigmatizing mental illness and reducing high rates of recidivism in American prisons, in an attempt to create a more socially just society for all. Ashley offers presentations, workshops, group facilitation, and consultation specializing in racial trauma, mental health, crisis response, social justice, and racial equity. Ashley strives to help others find happiness and healing within themselves through unpacking their baggage, resting, reflecting, and restoring themselves to be whom they were intended to be on this earth.

Paul Getzel, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Seattle, joined the team in 2022. His prior history includes work in community health, food security, HIV/AIDS, and health equity advocacy. Paul is compelled in this work by the strong belief in the power of peer to peer models in reducing racial and social disparities, facilitating access to mental health services, reducing stigma, and building enduring support for individuals and families pursuing their best possible mental health. As someone native to Seattle, Paul appreciates the sun and the rain equally and spends his free time enjoying the food, arts, and music the city has to offer.

We'll have a selection of titles available for purhcase related to the themes of The Last Five Years.

Host or Publisher Elliott Bay Book Company