[NEohioPAL] Berko review: BOEING-BOEING @ Lakeland Civic Theatre

[Roy Berko]

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 *Farcical BOEING-BOEING amuses at Lakeland*

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association, Cleveland Critics Circle)

Farce is light comedy which contains exaggerated, extravagant and
improbable situations.  It often contains slapstick incidents and lots of
people ducking in and out of slamming doors.  Though farce was supposedly
started in the 13th century, the modern tone for this format, which is
highlighted by the works of the likes of The Three Stooges, The Marx
Brothers, The Keystone Cops, Lucille Ball, Tim Conway and Carol Burnett,
was etched by Molière, a Frenchman, and is best represented by his TARTUFFE.

It is therefore appropriate that one of the best of the modern farces,
BOEING-BOEING, was written by Marc Comoletti, a Frenchman.  And though the
play bombed in its initial Broadway debut, it was a smash hit in France
and, according to the GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS, it is the most performed
French play throughout the world.   The French seem to love the ridiculous,
as can be recognized by their absolute adoration of Jerry Lewis.

BOEING-BOEING, which takes place in 1960, centers on Bernard, a bachelor
who is engaged to three women at the same time.   His Paris apartment’s
doors swing open and closed as the three stewardesses flow in and out of
his life.  Bernard couldn’t be happier until his house of cards starts to
collapse as all three women appear at the same time.  Aided by his timid
friend Robert, who can’t remember who he has told lies to, catastrophe
looms.   But, as always happens in this kind of format, there is an
improbable ending and all’s well that ends well.

Most theatre people consider farce the most challenging format as it
requires exaggerated actions, while appearing to be completely serious and
realistic.

Martin Friedman’s direction is basically on point.  The audience laughs,
the ridiculousness is present, and that’s what farce is all about.  The
production would have been helped by a faster pace, a more furious series
of opening and slamming doors, and more keyed farcical timing.

Brian Zoldessy, who has made a career out of playing nerds caught in the
crosshairs of imminent disaster, succeeds once again.  His mobile face and
ability to create the right level of believable ridiculousness, makes his
Robert the laugh center of the show.

Jeffrey Grover serves well as the straight man for Zoldessy’s comic shticks.
Beth Lee holds her own as Bertha, Bernard’s maid, though her accent
sometimes makes her difficult to understand.  Katie Nabors, Nancy Telzerow
and Tess Elizabeth, as the bevy of beautiful stewardesses, each creates an
identifiable character.

*Capsule judgement: BOEING-BOEING is a light weight farce that receives
what should be an audience pleasing production at Lakeland Community
Theatre.  *
For tickets to BOEING-BOEING which runs through October 6, and is being
staged in Lakeland Community College’s theatre, call 440-525-7134 or to go
http://lakelandcc.edu/academic/arts/theatre/index.asp

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