North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre (7713-51 Leadmine Road) begins a three-week run of “The Last Five Years,” Jason Robert Brown’s 2001 two-person musical that explores the relationship between rising novelist Jamie and struggling actress Cathy. The twist is that Cathy’s side is told in reverse chronological order while Jamie’s is chronological, allowing insight into the couple’s troubles. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday (through March 24). $10-$15. 919-866-0228; nract.org.