Charismatic cast brings Sondheim's 'Company' to Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans

The show: "Company," music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; book by George Furth

What it’s about: As the play opens, Bobby (DJ Kostka) is committed to his commitment-free lifestyle. He’s about to turn 35, his friends are all married or engaged, and he’s no closer to finding true love than he was in his salad days. The three women he’s dating — Marta, April and Kathy — are by turns amusing, alluring and affectionate, but he treats them more like playthings than romantic partners. The show unfolds as a series of vignettes centered around Bobby and his resistance to settle down despite his friends’ constant nagging. Sondheim’s brilliant musical numbers explore a wide range of topics including the joys and frustrations of marriage, the fear of falling behind in a society that’s always surging ahead, and, finally, the comforts that come with commitment.

See it or not: I wasn’t wowed by every number during Friday’s performance, but the cast has so much charisma and Kostka’s performance is so convincing that I can’t help but recommend this production.

Fun fact: The original 1970 Broadway show, produced and directed by Harold Prince, was nominated for 14 Tony awards, winning six.

Highlights: Kostka’s haunting rendition of “Someone is Waiting” nearly had me in tears. When he looked to the crowd and crooned, “Would I know her even if I met her? Have I missed her? Did I let her go?” it reminded me of the randomness of life and the painful possibility that true love just might pass us by if we don’t pay attention.

Worth Noting: Rachel Walman and Michael Olson are hilarious as Jenny and David, Bobby’s married, pot-smoking friends who are still hot for each other. Sure, David admits that he sometimes wishes he was single, but he assures Jenny that these old longings don’t detract from his feelings for her and their children. David may have signed away his freedom for a family, but he has no regrets.

One more thing: Missy Potash is deliciously unhinged as Bobby’s friend Sarah, who teases her husband, Harry, about his drinking and then playfully throws him to the ground. Potash had the audience in stitches when she demonstrated her karate skills on Harry.

If you go: 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, through April 23, $25-$35,The Academy of Performing Arts, 120 Main St., Orleans,  www.academyplayhouse.org/.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Academy of Performing Arts on Cape Cod tackles Sondheim's 'Company'