Imagine running your life on a rigid timetable, where even the slightest deviation could potentially spell disaster. We all function accordingly to the clock, keeping track of school and work schedules, doctor’s appointments and other dates on a daily basis. Can you imagine what would happen if your watch stopped, your alarm clock failed and your IPad or Blackberry crashed? Horrors!
Take a page from the precise scheduling that rules the life of Bernard, an American architect, living the good life in Paris. This ex-patriot’s existence is revealed with hilarious consequences in Marc Camoletti's farcical comedy “Boeing Boeing,” translated by Beverly Cross and Francis Evans, taking off on regular flights of funny business at Hartford Stage until Sunday, February 12.
Bernard, an engaging (pun intended) and charming Vince Nappo, is so good at keeping women happy that he has almost made a profession of it. With great care and expertise, he has managed to become engaged to Gloria (Kelly D. Felthous), his American stewardess, Gabriella (Kathleen McElfresh), his Italian flight hostess and Gretchen (Claire Brownell), his German cutie. Each flies a different airline so he feels he is safe and secure.
While Bernard has no intentions of marriage, he does enjoy the pleasures of having a trio of fiancées. His long suffering housekeeper Berte, adorably captured by Denny Dillon, is kept busy getting the apartment ready for the ever escalating series of arrivals and departures.
Bernard is quite smug about his accomplishments in the romance department and when his old friend Robert ( Ryan Farley) arrives unexpectedly, Bernard can’t help but brag about how well it all works. Robert, while marveling on the arrangements, does express a little skepticism on how a little turbulence, like a change in flight plans, could complicate the delicate deal. Director Maxwell Williams makes sure the landings and takeoffs are smooth, but you should still keep your seat belt fastened tightly.
For tickets ($69.50-85.50), call the Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street, Hartford at 860-527-5151 or online at www.hartfordstage.org. Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees Sundays and selected Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m.
Prepare for a bumpy ride when Captain Bernard is in the cockpit trying to keep a trio of airlines flying high without a mid-air collusion.
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