Courtesy of Tiffany Israel Joan Almedilla, Lucas Steele, Jessica Phillips, Billy Porter and Jamison Stern, from left, perform in Rubicon Theatre's "It's Only Life."

Bucchino

Like a refreshing splash of cool water on a warm Ventura weekend, "It's Only Life" washed over Sunday's matinee audience at the Rubicon Theatre with a thoughtful look at beginnings and endings, hopes and fears, all expressed through the ingratiating music and well-honed lyrics of composer John Bucchino.

The musical collage, conceived by Bucchino with director Daisy Prince, involves five singers in what could be called a conversation about (early) midlife crises. Life, love and what it's all about get a swift but reflective airing by a quintet of vocalists who have voices of unusual quality and know how to use them.

Joan Almedilla, in a return to the Rubicon stage where she first appeared in "Songs for a New World," and Rubicon newcomers Billy Porter, Lucas Steele, Jessica Phillips and Jamison Stern blend beautifully during the group numbers and also shine on their solo songs.

"It's Only Life" takes place on another strikingly effective Rubicon set, this one designed by Beowulf Boritt and enhanced by lighting designed by Jason Lyons.

Its multiple glassy panels are open to passing reflections while presenting a modern look to reflect the contemporary problems explored by the actor-singers as they mull the vicissitudes of life in a world wound tight by high expectations and constant distractions.

In a beautiful finale moment, the rigor of the backdrop unfolds to show a land of sunshine and flowers.

Each of the singers fashions special moments with songs while etching a bit of individual characterization. Almedilla makes uncertainty a virtue, Phillips reveals passion beneath a brisk surface, Stern gets to be the quintessential befuddled contemporary male and Steele his freewheeling opposite. Porter is a kaleidoscope of styles and moods, each one carefully thought out and expressed.

The singers culminate the 90-minute revue with three of Bucchino's best: "Taking the Wheel," in which Steele exults in an upbeat ode to the joy of being in charge of his life; "Grateful," a soulful ballad rendered by Porter; and "A Glimpse of the Weave," which showcases them all.

Bolstering the vocalists immeasurably is the just off-stage and mostly hidden group of musicians — Brent Crayon is musical director and orchestration is by Bruce Coughlin — that seamlessly adds nuance or heft as each song requires.

Vocal arrangements are by Jason Robert Brown, composer of "Songs for a New World."

— E-mail Rita Moran at ritamoran@earthlink.net.