Hanging out with friends usually involves lots of laughs, plenty of food and great music. The same goes for “Cookin’,” the longest-running show in history of Korean performing arts.

“You get to really see all the things you love most all at once,” says company manager Leslie Pinney.

The show, which centers around four busy chefs packed into a single kitchen, incorporates many different theatrical aspects into the performance. Patricia Cotter, performance arts programming manager, says it is one of the reasons the show has been so successful.

“It just seemed really unique,” she says. “It had the element both of percussive drumming, as well as the comedy side of it.”

Pinney says the concept behind “Cookin'” is effective because it makes for a high-pressure situation with a lot happening in a small area.

“Cookin'” is set in a kitchen where four chefs are working to prepare a wedding banquet. By using the utensils around them, they are able to create the traditional rhythms of “Samulnori” music, a form of Korean music.

“You’re always sort of listening to something that’s interesting,” Pinney says. “It keeps changing, moving, and it’s completely normal to the ear. It’s not offensive in any way.”

Because the show doesn’t use many words, the chefs have to communicate through other means. Pinney says they manage to find ways to interact that make their intentions clear.

“They set up characters early, and the way they make contact with each other is very natural,” Pinney says.

Cotter, who has yet to see the show live, says she doesn’t anticipate any difficulties when it comes to communication.

“There will be a lot of facial expressions and body language, and I think those are pretty universally understood,” she says. “I’m really anxious to see how the audience will interact. It seems like they’re very engaging.”

The different forms of communication add a diverse element to the show but also avoid a potential language barrier that would prevent American audiences from enjoying the show.

Pinney says the performers have a real sense of pride being in the United States because it is a huge accomplishment for them, and they get to share their culture with their audience.

“They’re very proud of their own culture and they’re happy to share it,” Pinney says. “They’re excited that Americans are enjoying watching their music so much.”

The worldwide success of “Cookin'” means that not only Americans are enjoying the music, but so is the rest of the world, and that has made celebrities out of the performers, she says.

Pinney says it’s different than American celebrities because they are not recognized on the streets of every country, but in Korea, some of them are like sex symbols.

The success of “Cookin'” can be attributed to the many aspects of the show, Pinney and Cotter say. Cotter says a show like “Cookin'” manages to find something most everyone will enjoy.

“A show like ‘Cookin”, I think, appeals to such a wide variety of people,” she says.

What: “Cookin'”

Where: Stephens Auditorium When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday

Cost: $18.50- $20.50 students; $34.50- $38.50 public