Fleetwood Community Theatre’s current production, “Boeing Boeing,” takes jet-setting to a whole new level.
This high-flying farce by French playwright Marc Camoletti transports the audience back to The Sixties when flight attendants were the envy of many young women and the heart’s desire of many men.
Among them is Bernard a wealthy bachelor living in Paris who has managed to land not one, but three stewardesses and he is engaged to all of them. His plan runs smoothly as he has airline schedules practically memorized and his fiancees all work for different airlines, one American, one German and one Italian, and their paths never cross until one disastrous night.
Brian Miller, who also directs the show, is dashing and devious as the charming Bernard, whose flight plans fall apart when all his women come home on the same day. Fortunately for him, an old college friend, Robert, has come for a visit and along with Bernard’s capable, but complaining housekeeper Berthe, they manage to keep things under control – for a while.
Robert, a naive young man from Wisconsin, is played by Randy Miller, who has a real flair for comedy. He has successfully teamed with Brian Miller before in “Leading Ladies,” and the pairing is once again a laughfest for the audience.
The one who gets the most laughs however, is Tara Sands as the disgruntled and delightful Berthe. Sands has been busy behind the scenes directing for many years, and her return to the stage is triumphant. She has some of the best lines in the show and delivers them effortlessly, with just the right gleam in her eyes to captivate the audience.
The three members of Bernard’s “international harem” have no idea they are not his “one-and-only,” but some of them have secrets of their own.
Marisa Hoover plays Gloria, the American who works for TWA, and she delivers this take-charge sort of girl with great comedic timing and a strong stage presence. Her scenes with the insecure Robert are hysterical.
Bernard’s Italian beauty Gabriella is played by Brandi Bailey who brings a warmth and likeabilty to her passionate character.
Melissa Kopicz plays Gretchen, the German flight attendant for Luftansa, with uber enthusiasm to the delight of Robert — and the audience. Her Gretchen is memorable.
Timing is not only the key to Bernard’s perfect life – it is also the key to a successful farce and FCT’s “Boeing Boeing takes off smoothly, reaches great comedic heights and makes a perfectly satisfactory landing. It’s worth the trip to Kutztown.
The show continues Oct. 24 through Oct. 26 at St. John’s Lutheran church, 201 E. Main St. in Kutztown. All shows are general admission. Tickets can be ordered by calling 610-944-3610 or online with a credit card at http://FCTsBoeingBoeing.bpt.me. Curtain for Friday and Saturday shows is at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday show at 3 p.m. Doors open a half hour before the show.
Fleetwood Community Theatre is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization of theatre lovers in their 26th season. FCT is committed to the education and development of their membership within the theatre arts program by offering opportunities to all ages both on-stage and behind the scenes. As an outlet of quality musical, dramatic and ensemble productions, it encourages and supports local youth to pursue performing arts opportunities through school, church, collegiate or other local productions.