The Catskill Chronicle

Review by Sharlene Hartman

ELLENVILLE, NY (July 17, 2013) – So you’ve had a bad day, it’s hot and muggy and you really don’t feel like doing anything? Have I got the prescription for you; I highly suggest you run don’t walk (flying would be ideal) to the latest theatrical triumph at the Shadowland Theatre in Ellenville NY.

The theatre is newly renovated, cool as a cucumber and comfortable as your favorite chair. And the current production of “Boeing Boeing,” by French playwright Marc Camoletti (translated by Beverly Cross & Francis Evans), will have you laughing your derriere off, forgetting your woes and basking in the afterglow of all the hilarity you’ve witnessed.

The English language adaptation of “Boeing Boeing” was first produced in London in 1962 and ran for 7 years. In 1965 it opened on Broadway and ran for a mere 23 performances. I guess at the time we Americans weren’t ready for all that farcical behavior and door slamming. Speed ahead to the 2008 Broadway revival and the reception was quite different; it was honored with rave reviews, numerous Tony Award nominations and won Best Revival of a Play as well as Best Leading Actor.

“Boeing Boeing” is a mid-century, modern day French farce with all the ingredients to satisfy your expectations. The characters are wonderful and the plot lends itself to screwball comedy. The setting is Paris and the groovy aqua set was inventively designed by Brittany Vasta; after all, the apartment belongs to an architect. The well-timed, fast-paced direction is orchestrated by Brendan Burke and the wonderful ensemble of actors immerse into character, playing their parts to the hilt.

Just imagine, a self assured bachelor, engaged to 3 different stewardesses who know nothing of one another. Bernard, played by David Mason, has been using an airline-flight timetable to keep track of their arrivals and departures, thinking that this will insure they never run into one another. Because of the airlines strict interviewing process Bernard thinks his situation is ideal; he’s “engaged” to the best of the best, chosen fiancées “from a pool that is already super sifted.”

Gloria, played by Leigh Poulos, is an American, working for TWA, Gabriella, played with Italian verve by Jen Burry, is an Alitalia attendant and Gretchen, played with a goose-step by Andrea Bianchi, is employed by the German airline Lufthansa. Bernard’s dedicated French housekeeper Berthe, is played with a delightful touch of spark and sass by Kathy McCafferty. She helps Bernard manage and coordinate all the changes that must take place when a different fiancée arrives: Photos must be changed, wardrobes switched, menus prepared, there must be “order and organization.” And Berthe is getting tired of it all. The only plus is that all the fiancées share the same “G” monogram.

The real fun begins with the arrival of Bernard’s old school pal Robert, played to perfection by Chris Daftsios. Robert, from Wisconsin, is an impromptu house guest. He’s an innocent, and after discovering what’s happening in the apartment, exclaims his desire for “one little marriage, one little wife;” he just wants “ordinary.” Chris Daftsios is an agile, physical comedy virtuoso and has developed Robert into a very unique character that grows as the play progresses. Watching him try to warn Bernard, stop a fiancée from going somewhere and hide “evidence” was a comedic treat. I loved the nuanced way he delivered his lines and thought his performance was absolutely flawless.

With the announcement of a new super Boeing engine, progress becomes a problem. The flights will be shorter, more frequent and the three fiancées are excited that they’ll be able to spend more time with Bernard. Ooh-La-La! What a conundrum! But, without the conflict, without all the juggling and confusion I wouldn’t have heard everyone around me laughing constantly. At one point I looked around the audience and saw people of various ages, from teenagers to octogenarians, all with big smiles on their faces. And this wasn’t during a high hilarity alert, the play just makes you happy. It’s darn good, molto bene, sehr gut!!

As I’m writing this I can’t escape a certain irony; I am on a Jet Blue plane, going to California. The stewardesses are lovely; however, flying today is just not the  same as it was in 1965, when there truly were “friendly skies.” Flying somewhere was an event you dressed for. To be a stewardess meant you’d been vetted and were considered the crème de la crème of the fairer sex. Ah, but that was a different time.

If you’d like to experience a different plane of existence (pardon the pun), visit and observe a great group of characters and a situation brimming with energy, wit and fun; you simply must go and see “Boeing Boeing”!! I’m sure you’ll have a magical flight. It runs through August 4, Thursday-Saturday at 8:00 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m. The Shadowland Theatre is at 157 Canal Street, Ellenville, NY 12428, call the box office at  845-647-5511 or visit shadowlandtheatre.org‎.