(Left to right) Paul Hughes, Adrian Deane, Chad Clevenger and Natasha Harris make up the cast of Benicia Old Town Theatre Group’s “Coming Apart.” (Photo by Joe Messina Photography)

Benicia Old Town Theatre Group opened the final play of its 2017-18 season, Fred Carmichael’s “Coming Apart,” to a well-attended gala at B.D.E.S. Hall on Friday. It is the second comedy BOTTG has put on this season, following October’s “Having a Wonderful Time, Wish You Were Her,” which similarly put a humorous take on relationships. However, “Coming Apart” is less farcical and more honest, and it is carried by a small but charming cast.

The story centers around Colin and Frances Kittridge, played respectively by BOTTG veterans Paul Hughes and Natasha Harris, a New York couple (un?)happily married for 21 years. Both are employed as writers, Frances as a romance novelist and Colin as a newspaper columnist, which gives them a sense of rivalry. This, coupled with several other grievances, puts their marriage to the test. “Coming Apart” wastes no time in establishing how bad things have gotten for the Kittridges. The play opens with both of them declaring in unison, “I want a divorce” and they immediately dive into arguing. Is it an honest declaration, or just a misunderstanding? After all, Frances is doing research for a book titled “How to Survive a Marriage,” and the events of the book parallel her own life. Either way, the play examines the complicated history of Frances and Colin’s relationship and tries to see if their marriage is worth saving.

“Coming Apart” is unique in how it tells its story. Frances and Colin occasionally step aside to deliver soliloquies to explain their dilemmas to the audience, and the timeframe jumps around a lot from the present day to their first meeting to the day they proposed to their perceived futures. Of course, none of their memories line up. For example, in Frances’ recollection of meeting Colin, she is annoyed by this supposedly famous columnist whom she has never actually heard of. However, in Colin’s reminiscence, she is a huge fan of his column and is delighted to meet him. It is never clear who, if anyone, is telling the truth about their memories or if they are just remembering what they want, but such scenes add to the dysfunctional relationship the two have.

“Coming Apart” is mostly funny, but its story’s strength lies more in its honesty. Everyone has probably met a couple like this or maybe been in a similar relationship themselves. Unfortunately, the story loses a bit of steam in the second act, and Frances and Colin aren’t exactly the easiest couple to root for. However, these are more the faults of the original play and not of the cast, who are simply wonderful.

There are only four characters in “Coming Apart,” but all the actors have terrific chemistry. Together, Harris and Hughes have great interplay as they exchange barbs and perfect facial expressions throughout. Hughes has great energy and can snap on a dime. Harris has a good command of all emotions from amusement to exasperation to withdrawal to anger. It is easy to see that the two have been involved in other BOTTG productions because they have a good command of the stage.

The other two actors are also splendid. Adrian Deane portrays Sylvia Mallinson, a literary agent who helps Frances secure a book deal and Colin get his column syndicated to more newspapers. Deane is very funny in her portrayal as the kind of friend who is trying to help but has romantic aspirations of her own. Chad Clevenger is simply hilarious as Bert Stockton, Colin’s best friend with a love for scotch and a tendency to speak his mind. The funniest moments are when Bert interrupts Colin’s monologue to remind him what actually happened, and the timing Clevenger shares with Hughes is impeccable.

The production staff also did a good job. Brian Hough’s minimalist set is a solid display of a tidy, ‘90s-style living room and the lighting crew does a good job of literally putting a spotlight on the appropriate characters.

Despite some uneven story elements, “Coming Apart” is a fun experience, and the effort by the cast and crew is unmistakable. BOTTG has another winning entry in its long history of productions.

“Coming Apart” continues Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Saturday, May 12. Tickets are $22 for general admission, and $20 for seniors and students. Doors open one hour before curtain at the historic B.D.E.S. Hall at 140 West J St. For information and tickets, visit beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com or call 746-1269.

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