Emily Scott-Banks (from left), Sherry Hopkins, Ashley Wood and Morgan McClure star in Marc Camoletti’s play “Boeing, Boeing” at Circle Theatre through April 2. (Photo Courtesy of Circle Theatre)
What’s behind door number two?
Or in the case of “Boeing, Boeing” – who’s behind door number one, two and three?
At one point in Marc Camoletti’s farce, on stage at Circle Theatre in Fort Worth, there is a woman behind every door of Bernard’s apartment and he is engaged to all of them.
Bernard, played by Ashley Wood with just the right mix of vanity and vulnerability, has discovered that he can base his love life on the flight schedules of the aircraft that come through the Paris airport.
From that flight schedule he has found Gloria, (Sherry Hopkins) the American, Gabriella, (Emily Scott Banks) the Italian and Gretchen (Morgan McClure), the German.
At the beginning of the play he is explaining the flawless nature of his system that is “so precise it is almost poetic” to his friend Robert (Andy Baldwin) – who, to add to the fun, is staying with him. Throw in a disapproving French maid Bertha (Krista Scott) and it is only inevitable that his gig will be up by the end of the play.
Although this play might seem slightly outdated, there is something surprisingly relevant about women finding themselves at the whim of the man who gave them the ring on their finger – and something truly gratifying about an ending when it is the women who get what they want.
If Bernard’s strategy seems somewhat repulsive and entirely unrealistic -don’t worry!- the conclusion gives the women, including Bertha, the upper hand.
The situation seems ridiculous enough, but add in some of the most outlandishly funny characters and you’ve got a play that is pure pleasure.
Director Robin Armstrong took a hilarious script (which was eventually adapted to a film starring Tony Curtis and Jerry Lewis) and made it even funnier.
The three G’s (Gabriella, Gloria and Gretchen) bring the stereotypes of their characters to life in a way that doesn’t diminish the farce or the humanity.
And there isn’t a dull moment when Baldwin’s Robert or Scott’s Bertha is on stage, as they have managed to capitalize on every movement, line and even facial expression, (at one point Baldwin is dancing with a bath towel) which is especially important on Circle Theatre’s thrust stage.
It’s also refreshing to hear so many accents on stage at the same time without noticeable failings.
“Boeing, Boeing” is better than the movies any night.
Fort Worth might sound like a far drive for an SMU student, but if you’re wanting to explore Dallas’ sister city, use “Boeing, Boeing” as a destination. Park on one of the downtown streets or in the Sundance Square parking garage (for free) and grab dinner on the way to the theater.
“Boeing, Boeing” performs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through April 2, Tickets are $25-$30 $20-$25 for students.
For more information visit circletheatre.com.
Ashley Wood and Andy Baldwin star in this uproarious farce. (Courtesy of Circle Theatre)
