Bernard has got it figured out. An American architect who lives in Paris, he juggles three different stewardesses. Gretchen is from Germany, Gabriella from Italy, and Gloria from America. Each believes she is engaged to Bernard. Bernard has secured a copy of the airline timetables, so he can schedule, without danger of their paths crossing. His misguided sense of confidence, is just begging to blow up in his face.
Bernard has a French housekeeper, the dour, long suffering Berthe. Not only is she expected to change cuisines (depending on which fiancee’) she must run interference, lest she tip Bernard’s hand. All this in addition to the rest of her chores, in a three bedroom flat. Berthe is never even close to disrespectful or insolent, but she is a master of tone. Make no mistake, she’ll have you for supper, without batting an eye. And it’s astonishing.
On this particular day, Robert, an old school chum, has surprised Bernard. He’s on a trip to visit relatives, and dropped by to say: “Hello.” Overjoyed, he invites Robert to stay and be his guest, while in France. He explains his ingenious ruse to Robert, leaving him quite impressed. Robert is more traditional (which is not to say stuffy) and though he’s amazed how beautiful these ladies are, he’s not persuaded. Robert warns Bernard that it’s just a matter of time before catastrophe prevails. The new Boeing moves at a game-changing velocity, and timetables can change
Written by French playwright Marc Camoletti in 1960, Boeing Boeing has a familiar premise. Robert is looking for a solid, reliable marriage, while Bernard loves having more than one girl on the hook. It might not seem so crass, if he wasn’t promising marriage. He wants more than he’s willing to invest. We’re shocked to discover one of betrothed is actually playing along until someone better proposes. Perhaps Bernard isn’t quite the genius Lothario he believes himself to be.
Director Jannette Oswald has achieved a triumph with this romantic farce, currently playing at The Richardson Theatre Centre. Slamming doors, fantastic fabrications, impossible coincidences, bizarre behavior, it’s all here.
I cannot remember the last time I laughed so happily, so loud, for so long. The timing is flawless, the absurdity pervasive, the jabs at sex, wicked, the physical hi-jinks, unbelievable. Ms. Oswald has taken this frantic, antic, delirious cast, Samantha Calatozzo (Gloria) Eddy Herring (Bernard) Molly Bower (Berthe) Blair Mitchell (Robert) Shea McMillan (Gabriella) and Hannah Burns (Gretchen) and created a marvel of mischief, mania, merriment and giddy guffaws. Any actor knows that this kind of brilliance only comes from hard work, focus, and summoning the audacity you need to light the candle.
How about a reward for that broccoli you had to eat? The recital you had to sit through? That load of laundry you got done? Drop what you’re doing and go. To Boeing Boeing
Richardson Theatre Centre presents Boeing Boeing playing July 14th-30th, 2023. 518 West Arapaho Road, Suite 113, Richardson Texas, 75080. 972-699-1130. facebook.com/RichardsonTheatreCentre.