directed by Lenore Grunko
This 1960s French farce adapted for the English-speaking stage features self-styled Parisian lothario Bernard, who has Italian, German and American fiancées, each a beautiful airline hostess with frequent “layovers.” He keeps “one up, one down, and one pending” — until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to Paris, and Bernard’s apartment, at the same time.
Rehearsals will begin Monday, April 21 and will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Boeing Boeing is set in the swinging 1960s, and centers on the committed bachelor Bernard, who lives and works as an architect in Paris. The three flight attendants are all engaged to him without knowing about each other. Bernard's choreographed life gets bumpy, though, after his friend Robert comes to stay, and complications such as inclement weather and a new, speedier Boeing jet disrupts his careful planning. Soon, all three women are in the city simultaneously, and catastrophe erupts.
Bernard - 20s to 50s - An American bachelor who resides in Paris, working as an architect. Bernard has the air of a "ladies man" who believes he has the female sex all figured out. He is charming and attractive, but is a seductive scoundrel. He is engaged to all three air hostesses, and uses flight timetables to keep "one up, one down, and one pending," ensuring the women are never in his apartment at the same time. He is proud of his deception, until it starts to unravel - along with his confidence.
Robert - 20s to 50s - An old friend of Bernard's who travels to Paris from Wisconsin. A shy, sweet, awkward small-town boy who lacks confidence and experience with women. Robert initially disapproves of Bernard's situation - although he can admit it has its advantages. He admires Bernard's ability to keep things balanced. Soon, however, Robert is caught up in the game himself, trying to keep Bernard's plan intact and stop his own anxiety from spinning out of control.
Berthe - any age - Bernard's housekeeper, is an obedient and meticulous maid, which makes her integral to Bernard's charade, but she isn't shy about voicing her growing dissatisfaction with Bernard's revolving-door lifestyle. Wonderfully sarcastic and blunt; also exhausted and exasperated from being put-upon by the situation. (French accent required*)
Gloria - 20s to 40s - Bernard's American fiancée with a strong appetite for love, success, and unique food. She is an air hostess for TWA from New York City. Playfully cunning, confident, strong-willed, and not afraid to speak her mind. Politically progressive for the 60s, and is often offended when people do not share her opinion.
Gabriella - 20s to 40s - Bernard's Italian fiancée is an air hostess for Alitalia. Feisty, suspicious and seductive, she is incredibly smart and much more independent than she initially appears. (Italian accent required.*)
Gretchen - 20s to 40s - Bernard's German fiancée is an air hostess for Lufthansa. Dominating but loving, she is full of intense passion that can switch between soft and sweet to loud and destructive in a moment. She is both intimidating and yet loveable. (German accent required.*)
* Don't worry about the accents! Come audition, and Lenore will work with anyone who needs help.
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