Just last week, Nick Jonas admitted to being intimidated. Here he is performing with universe on the stage of the Broadway production of “The Last Five Years.” Jonas takes the stage with the celebrated Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren in this thrilling, historic first-ever Broadway engagement. Even more than most, he stays supremely conscious of the great expectations that accompany this chance.
The musical chronicles the complex and raw realities of Jamie Wellerstein, an aspiring novelist, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress. It provides a fresh take by threading their stories together across two parallel timelines. Yet as Jonas steps into his new role, he knows the challenge that lies ahead. So now the stakes are even higher, performing in front of an audience that already knows the show from previous productions.
Jonas shared his thoughts with PEOPLE, stating, “The thing for me is there are a lot of people who love this show, who have played these roles in different productions, their high school or college or whatever. It’s those folks who have done it that I feel most intimidated to do it for.”
Looking back on his time on Broadway, aside from the anxiety that comes with large production, he is thankful for the experience. “As intimidating as it might feel sometimes, I think it’s a really gratifying experience to get out and really put yourself out there and take big swings and see what happens,” he said.
In preparation for opening night, Jonas has been making his daily walk to the theater, which allows him to connect with fans and locals. “It’s nice to meet people on the street. Most people are kind,” he noted. Their U.S. tour is a rare respite, allowing him to escape his normal frenetic travel schedule. Now, he can spend more time with his family—which now includes his beautiful 3-year-old daughter, Malti Marie—back home in New York City.
Jonas wanted to give thanks to the family around him, supporting him while he starts this incredible new chapter in his career. He personally led the charge, walking the red carpet with his wife, actress Priyanka Chopra. His brothers, Joe, Kevin, and Frankie Jonas, made a cameo appearance with him for the show’s debut. Having his family, though, has been a reassuring connection to home, even as he’s been going through this major life transition.
Though the musical is packed with amazing numbers, one of Jonas’s favorites is “A Miracle Would Happen.” He goes on to call the feeling “this kind of odd but very real phenomenon.” He knows everyone suffers through it, and he considers it a really exciting one. This move serves to underline the universality of the characters’ experiences, connecting the performers to audiences in a complete circle.
Warren’s performance has stood out to Jonas. He praised her ability to bring humor and depth to the production: “She brings so much humor to this number,” he stated. He emphasized her musical prowess, saying, “I think she is getting to sort of flex her various muscles, musical theater and the soulfulness she brings to the vocals. It’s just a really incredible performance.”
As Jonas embarks on this new role of producer, he hopes to motivate and persuade through the power of storytelling. “That’s the beauty of storytelling and being an artist and an actor, is that you get to take big risks and put yourself out there,” he remarked. His willingness to embrace vulnerability is evident in his approach to performing, allowing him to connect more deeply with his character and the audience.
Jonas’s run in “The Last Five Years” is currently scheduled to last through June 22, 2024. Through each performance, he seeks to face his fears as he shares a raw, emotional story that captivates audiences and individuals alike.