The characters in "Significant Other" arent perfect but we become invested in them anyway in this funny, delightful and ultimately wrenching production at Civics Theatre514 through March 27.
This dark romantic comedy is about a single gay man who finds himself faced with terrifying loneliness as his three female best buddies one by one find husbands.
Matt Gurniak is perfectly cast as Jordan Berman, the 29-year-old romantic looking for Mr. Right. Gurniaks Jordan is insecure, neurotic and wears his heart on his sleeve. He is also very funny delivering the witty dialogue of Joshua Harmons insightful script. Gurniak easily takes Jordan from over-the-top joy to frustrated, barely controlled anger to anguished despair.
One of the best moments is when Gurniak opens the second act obliviously dancing by himself with a pair of red size 12 sneakers to Whitney Houstons "I Wanna Dance with Somebody." The heartfelt moment garners its own applause from the audience.
The red sneakers are the type worn by Jordans crush, a hunky guy at work named Will.
John Capocasale memorably portrays the reticent Will who in one hilarious scene appears on stage dripping wet in a swim suit, as Jordan obsessively describes his body in minute detail.
Jordan best friends include the motormouth, narcissistic Kiki played with zest by Veronica Bocian. Bocian makes the somewhat obnoxious character appealing, and you feel she genuinely cares about Jordan. Her drunken monologue about finding a husband in the opening scene is very entertaining.
Capocasale humorously plays her husband to be as devoted but dull, to the amused laughter of Kikis friend.
Amira F. Jackson is the fun and confident Vanessa, the second of Jordans friends to unexpectedly get married after meeting the caring Roger (Parker Ryan) at Kikis wedding.
Cindy Lozado plays Laura, who is Jordans smart and snarky BFF who hides her new boyfriend (engagingly played by Capocasale) from Jordan. Lozado is moving as she reveals the conflict Laura, feels falling in love with a great guy that will permanently affect her relationship with Jordan.
Ryan also is funny as an over-the-top gay guy from work who proposes a one-night stand to Jordan to alleviate their loneliness. He also is good as an old friend with whom Jordan shares a kiss.
Rounding out the cast is Denise Long as Jordans kind but forgetful grandmother. Long is curmudgeonly, but gentle in her support of Jordan as she tries to explain that hes just stuck in a bad chapter in a long book.
Pop songs that one might hear at a wedding are a big part of the show, and the first dance of each married couple takes on increasing significance as the story progresses.
Director Will Morris blends the scenes together seamlessly, and the addition of the dance breaks adds fun and energy.
The simple set works well and the costumes are an effective reminder of the womens changing status since they wear their wedding dresses for the rest of the play after they get married.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. March 25-26 and 2 p.m. March 27.
Tickets are $29 for adults and $27 for students, seniors and military.
Proof of immunization and masks are required.
For information, go to [http://www.civictheatre.com, or call 610-433-8903.]http://www.civictheatre.com, or call 610-433-8903.
(left to right) Veronica Bocian, Amira F Jackson, Cindy Lozada, Matt Gurniak
Photo credit: Bill Basta