[2] TalkinBroadway explained: "The character of Gideon is clearly based on composer Schalchlin, who has made no secret of the fact that he has escaped HIV-related death at least three times and was convinced by his own companion of fourteen years, Brochu, to write his feelings out as songs.
[5] A subsequent production in Los Angeles opened at the Laguna Playhouse and then transferred to the Tiffany Theatre, beginning in December 1998.
New cast members included Michelle Mais (Tryshia), P.M. Howard and Joel Traywick [7] [8] (who went on to be nominated for the Theatre LA Ovation Award for Featured Actor).
[10] An original cast album was recorded with elaborate packaging and a vocal selections book was published by Cherry Lane Music.
The CurtainUp reviewer of the 1997 Off-Broadway production called the musical "life affirming" and wrote: "'The Last Session' combines an affecting story, songs you'll want to hear again... it's original and funny, enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable.
[14] Brochu[15] and Schalchlin have created another musical, which, among other things, traces the history of The Last Session titled The Big Voice: God or Merman?.