The cast of ‘Boeing Boeing.’ Photo provided by Fells Point Corner Theatre.
Boeing Boeing is a great play to begin this 2014 year in theatre. Marc Camoletti really knows how to entertain his audience in this wacky comedy thrust right out of the 1960’s. This powerful comedy hits your gut with two hours of nonstop laughter. Directed by Josh Shoemaker, Boeing Boeing now playing at the Fells Point Corner Theatre is a refreshing, humorous and stunningly attractive play and as you get lost in the physical appeal and unique characters you’ll want to keep watching to see where this potential train wreck will lead.
Boeing Boeing follows the life of Bernard, a charming and charismatic man with a specific taste and insatiable appetite for women. He has an appetite so substantial that he has committed himself to three fiancées. They are all beautiful globetrotting flight attendants who are unsuspected of their loving fiancées shady ways. Adam Bloedorn naturally settled into the role of the worldly and highly organized Bernard. He was able to physically convey his distress and despondency in ways that made for great comedic and downright priceless moments, but nothing was more charming then the women in Bernard’s life.
If you are looking for a play that will keep you on your toes with a talented cast and a bit of sex appeal, then ‘Boeing Boeing’ is the play for you.
The women in this cast are as much funny as they are beautiful. Each echoing a strong and distinguish personality more irresistible then the last. Wesley Niemann as Gloria, conveys a spunky and take charge attitude which is something to hate and love about the young flight attendant. Niemann delivered an exquisite performance and that was reminiscent of a strong American woman of the 60’s. Next there’s Gabriella, Bernard’s second fiancée from Italy. Rachel Roth as Gabriella is a sassy and straightforward Italian women who constantly gives Bernard a run for his money. Roth is able to carry the character of Gabriella with a no nonsense approach to life. Her ability to convey an aggressive attitude while simultaneously seeming likable while not falling under Bernard’s spell made her one of the stronger characters of the play. Lastly there’s Gretchen, Bernard’s third fiancée. A strong and passionate flight attendant from Germany, Gretchen is filled with intense emotions that leave others around her both baffled and intrigued by her. Cassandra Dutt did a delightful job as Gretchen. Although I wasn’t quite sure of her accent I thought her explosive yet easily manipulated character was fun to watch.
The last woman to round of this amazing list of women is Berthe. Kate Shoemaker did an outstanding job as Berthe, Bernard’s quirky and out spoken maid. She delivered a memorable performance and as the center of the Bernard’s collapsing world she becomes a character constantly looked at for comic relief. Shoemaker’s natural comedic timing kept me chuckling and made her the standout character in this play.
Berthe (Kate Shoemaker), Gloria (Wesley Niemann) and Robert (David Shoemaker).
Photo courtesy of Fells Point Corner Theatre.
Then there’s Robert, Bernard’s American friend who becomes entangled in his barrage of women, all who seemed to be smitten with him. His misgivings about Bernard’s lifestyle are quickly resolve once he meets the sophisticated and beautiful women in Bernard’s life and his interaction with the lusty young Gretchen turns Robert completely on top of his head. David Shoemaker did a phenomenal job as he effortless changed his wholesome and naïve portrayal of Robert to a deceitful and manipulative character. He made me cheer for and root against his inevitable romance with Gretchen.
What made the scenes of this fantastic play were the set transformations to the beautiful sixties Parisian flat. Dan Pape, Roy Steinman and Steve GoldKlang created a set that is the embodiment of style and essence of the sixties, and costume designer Helenmary Ball was able captured each characters’ personality through their retro and stunningly put together wardrobe. If you are looking for a play that will keep you on your toes with a talented cast and a bit of sex appeal, then Boeing Boeing is the play for you.
Running Time: Two Hours and ten minutes with one intermission.
Advisory: This show contains adult subject matters that are not appropriate for kids.
Boeing Boeing Plays through February 9, 2014 at Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 South Ann Street, in Baltimore, MD. For tickets click here.
