Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA
runs through August 3, 2024
by Shera Cohen
Life got in the way, and I offer sincere apologies to Barrington Stage Company (BSC) and to In the Spotlight’s readers for the lateness of this article/review of the amazing production of “Boeing, Boeing”.
I’d seen the movie decades ago, and disliked its slapstick shenanigans; it starred Jerry Lewis, of course. However, I had never seen “Boeing” as a play, not to mention produced by BSC, starring two of my favorite actors in the Berkshires and beyond.
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| Photo by David Dasheill |
Debra Jo Rupp’s forte is getting the driest of laughs, milking optimum humor with every vocal nuance, facial expression, and even the minutia of opening a door.
The plot is simple: bachelor in Paris juggles his romantic liaisons with the comings and goings of three airline hostesses (it’s the 1960’s). Neither lady knows about the other. What a surprise! Yet, simple it is not, as the script calls for tight, split-second timing by director Julianne Boyd, cast, and crew. Welcome back, if even for a moment, Ms. Boyd; retired founder of BSC.
Ol’ friend Robert (Dold) surprises Bernard (Christopher Innvar) with a visit. Thus begins an excellent example of the epitome of French farce at its most uproarious. I looked the term up for accuracy. What French farce is not is slapstick or broad humor solely for audience laughs. Moliere set the tone centuries ago. No wonder Moliere is one of my favorites.
Some key elements of farce are physical acrobatics and clowning. Literally from the moment that nerd-like Robert enters the flat, the action begins. But Dold’s character isn’t just a man who acts geeky in the midst of the norm. Each character has his/her distinctness in a 60’s era that could have settled for stereotypes. It is Dold’s adeptness at playing the sympathetic dweeb in the midst of running around from room to room with doors opening, closing, opening again, that anchors the play.
A personal note: It was my pleasure to attend BSC’s plays in its premier year. The location was a high school in Great Barrington, MA. I believe that the stage was a rather messy basement level music room. I felt that this new theatre had potential, but launching a troupe at without the right venue, not to mention the all-important funding challenge would be tough.
Flash forward 30 years and my ego was sky-high when en route to the current home of BSC. But in the midst of miles and miles of open fields to find the location, we became lost. My philosophy is that reviewers must arrive on time, not leave early, and compose themselves.
Anyway, staff at BSC literally held the curtain for me. Me? I think I might have been the only reviewer at the time, or for that particular play. BSC has been gracious since Day 1, continuing to present quality theatre in the Berkshires.
Three decades! Congratulations!
