Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler will headline concert performances of the musical The Last Five Years in the United States in 2026. These events will take place at the Hollywood Bowl on April 3, followed by two shows at Radio City Music Hall on April 6 and 7, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the musical’s debut. The concerts will be directed and conducted by the show’s creator, Jason Robert Brown.
Details and Background of The Last Five Years
The planned U.S. concerts come after Zegler and Platt’s run at the London Palladium from March 24 to March 29, 2026, where Brown will also serve as director and conductor. The Last Five Years tells the story of a five-year relationship between novelist Jamie Wellerstein and actress Cathy Hiatt, uniquely presented through Jamie’s chronology unfolding forward and Cathy’s story told in reverse. The show first premiered in 2001 at Chicago’s Northlight Theatre and moved Off-Broadway in 2002, originally starring Norbert Leo Butz and Sherie Rene Scott.
The musical’s original cast recording has achieved classic status among theater enthusiasts, with standout songs such as Nobody Needs to Know, Still Hurting,
If I Didn’t Believe in You
, and The Next Ten Minutes becoming staples in the industry.
Previous Revivals and Adaptations of the Musical
Since its premiere, The Last Five Years has seen various revivals and adaptations. Notably, a 2014 feature film starred Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick, while the 2013 Off-Broadway revival featured Adam Kantor and Betsy Wolfe. The musical also had a Broadway run in 2025 with Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren leading the cast. In 2016, a one-night concert at New York City’s Town Hall starred Joshua Henry and Cynthia Erivo. That same year, a London production cast Jonathan Bailey and Samantha Barks, both known for their work in major musicals and films.
Rachel Zegler and Ben Platt’s Collaboration and Careers
Zegler, 24, and Platt, 32, share a longstanding friendship and have performed together before, including at the 2022 Grammys where they honored the late Stephen Sondheim with a medley featuring Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr. Zegler gained widespread acclaim for playing María in Steven Spielberg’s film West Side Story, which earned her a Golden Globe. She has also appeared in films such as The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Snow White. On stage, Zegler made her Broadway debut as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet in 2024 and debuted on the West End as Eva Perón in Evita in 2025.
Platt is best known for originating the role in Dear Evan Hansen, a performance that won him a Tony, Grammy, and Daytime Emmy. His recent stage work includes a revival of Parade, and his screen roles range from the Pitch Perfect films to Netflix’s The Politician. Beyond acting, Platt actively releases music and tours as a recording artist.
Significance of These Concerts and What to Expect
The upcoming concerts mark a notable moment for fans of the musical and its performers, bringing the intimate story of The Last Five Years back to prominent U.S. venues under the guidance of its original creator. These performances not only honor the show’s milestone anniversary but also highlight the talents of Zegler and Platt as they bring renewed attention to this modern classic.
The concerts provide an opportunity for audiences to experience a powerful examination of love and loss through innovative storytelling and compelling music. With tickets going on sale February 6, anticipation is high for what promises to be a moving tribute to a beloved musical theater work and its enduring legacy.
