Deciding to dive their way further into comedy, the Clarion University’s Department of Theatre performed their rendition of French farce “Boeing Boeing” from Oct. 5-9.
The three scene-long play, written originally by Marc Camoletti, was translated and performed in the 1960s when airline stewardesses were expected to be ravishing in every sense to help sell plane tickets. “Boeing Boeing” is largely a commentary on the ridiculous circumstances that kind of atmosphere could produce, and the laughs that ensue throughout the play ensue from the outstanding notion that the main character Bernard can manage being engaged to three of these flight attendants at once.
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That brings me to Clarion’s actors who are simply fantastic in their outrageousness. While the first scene is exposition-heavy to set up the premise to follow in the two-hour show, hilarity undoubtedly follows the small cast of six, including Bernard’s maid and best friend.
All of them perfectly fill their roles: Bernard surely sinks into nervosa as his plans come apart, best friend Robert constantly finds himself in situations he would never have expected, and maid Berta coolly keeps her head above water while her boss tries the impossible.
The three-star stewardesses of the play each have their own unique charm and flair too. Originating from different countries and equipped with very different mindsets, these women are actually strong characters, something that is interesting to see develop throughout the course of “Boeing Boeing.”
Perhaps the greatest thing about this farce is that it just gets funnier and funnier. Never once does the production lag or stall for time in the second and third scenes because scenarios are tightly written to allow for as much comedy, both physical and witty, to occur all the time.
It is also admirable that “Boeing Boeing” is tight and thrifty enough to rely on only one set during one day. It makes the whole thing seem like one large bottle episode of a sitcom of extraordinary circumstances, and it makes the whole play feel cozy.
Clarion’s adaptation was executed very well. The talent on stage and behind the scenes made everything flow together into one of the greatest shows the university has seen in recent memory.
