Frost Fire Summer Theatre returns to the stage this weekend with a stirring production of The Last Five Years at the Walla Theater in Walhalla, North Dakota. This critically acclaimed musical by Jason Robert Brown offers a deeply emotional journey through love, heartbreak, and time — while also serving a powerful purpose: raising funds to help rebuild the beloved Frost Fire Theatre.
A musical love story with a twist
The Last Five Years tells the story of two New Yorkers navigating the rise and fall of their relationship. What sets this musical apart is its unique storytelling — Cathy, the woman, tells her story in reverse, while Jamie, the man, moves forward chronologically. They only meet once: at their wedding.
"It's a very big challenge, not just vocally — the singing is intense — but the acting. I hope that you are just so blown away by how hard we're working to keep this relationship alive," said Misti Koop, who stars as Cathy and also serves as the theatre manager for Frost Fire Theatre.
The production will feature a live string pit orchestra, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to an already poignant show. Fellow Frost Fire alum Michael Marcotte stars alongside Koop as Jamie.
Showtimes at the Walla Theater
Catch this compelling two-person musical at the Walla Theater in Walhalla:
-
Friday, June 13 at 7 PM
-
Saturday, June 14 at 7 PM
-
Sunday, June 15 at 2 PM
Tickets are $20 at the door or available in advance at frostfirepark.org.
"This is more of an adult show," Koop explained. "It's a 90-minute, no-intermission situation — perfect for a night out, and the restaurants in Walhalla are ready for extra guests."
A Theater Without a Home
In 2022, the Frost Fire Theatre’s stage was devastated when the roof collapsed, taking the backstage structure down with it.
"The roof basically fell off," Koop recalled. "All the walls that created the magic behind the stage fell in. It’s so sad, you guys."
Since then, Frost Fire has become a “traveling theatre” of sorts, performing in venues across the region to keep the spirit alive — and to raise money for a new home.
"Frost Fire Theatre is still a company — I'm managing it — but it doesn't have a location right now," Koop said. "The hope is that we rebuild, but it has to be fully compliant with modern building codes. That means a $5.5 million price tag."
A night of theater that makes a difference
Attending The Last Five Years is about more than just enjoying a night of live performance — it’s about supporting a vision to revive one of North Dakota’s most cherished arts institutions.
"If you want theater to stay alive at Frost Fire, show up in Walhalla this weekend," Koop urged. "Awareness and a little bit of money goes a long way."
Can’t make it this weekend? Head to Grand Forks
If you're unable to attend the Walhalla shows, the production will also be staged at the Empire Arts Center in Grand Forks on these dates:
-
June 19–21 at 7 PM
-
June 22 at 2 PM
-
June 26–28 at 7 PM
-
June 29 at 2 PM
More details and ticket information are available at frostfirepark.org/the-last-five-years.
A love letter to live theater
Koop, who’s been involved with Frost Fire since she was just out of high school, says live performance offers something nothing else can.
"When do you have permission to be somebody else? When are you praised for being someone else?" she reflected. "It’s one of the only things we do now without a screen. You get to feel something real, right in front of you."
Whether you're a theater lover, a supporter of local arts, or someone looking for an unforgettable evening, The Last Five Years is a can’t-miss experience — and a step toward rebuilding something truly special in the Rendezvous Region.