Review: BOEING BOEING at Merrick Theatre & Center For The Arts

Dating three stewardesses at the same time seemed like a good idea yet in the Merrick Theatre's crowd pleasing production of "Boeing Boeing," all hell breaks loose when flights get cancelled and plane schedules change! (We're sure you can relate!)

Giovanni Marine stars as Bernard, the lucky guy with three women in his life who all work as a stewardess for a different airline. His housekeeper Berthe, played by the hysterical Laurie Atlas, keeps Bernard in check and the flat running smoothly like an American Airlines flight. Giovanni's longtime friend Robert makes a surprise visit and is there to buffer the stews when they all unexpectedly show up at the same time.

"Boeing Boeing" premiered on Broadway way before television's "Three's Company" and all those sitcoms where mistaken identities, overheard conversations, and sexual innuendo served as the plot's comic relief. This predictable play from 1965 simply brings Bernard's three lovely ladies together at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Giovanni Marine is an excellent Bernard, boasting his manhood and celebrating how perfect and flawless his scheme seems. The terrific Michael Park plays Robert who serves as the glue that keeps everyone involved in one piece. He plays the role straight without flinching once over the outrageous and unbelievable events that seem impossible to be actually occurring.

Each stewardess is wildly unique in their own style and accent. Sarah Berger as Gloria and Brittany Mento as Gabriella are both highly entertaining and pure fun. Jillian Graziosa enters like a tornado and her powerful performance never stops spinning for a minute. All three ladies bring their charm and talent to Bernard's dizzy life and have no idea the other exists until it all hits the fan.

Director Tarmo Kirsimae gathered a great group of actors together to keep the farce moving at a rapid pace throughout the entire production. A special shoutout goes to set constructors Nicholas Cariello and Joe Mauro for the most colorful and extraordinary set ever seen at the Merrick Theatre.

Bernard's antics were bound to catch up with him eventually and thank goodness Berthe and Robert were there to catch him when he stumbled. Merrick's wonderful production of "Boeing Boeing" makes us all want to fly the friendly skies!

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Directed by Tarmo Kirsimäe, Stage Manager Bridget LaCova, Lighting Design Nicholas Cariello, Lighting Assistant Jessie Barenzano, Costume Coordinator Tarmo Kirsmäe, Wig Design Seneca Bell, Set Construction Nicholas Cariello and Joe Mauro, Produced by Joe Mauro.

Starring: Giovanni Marine as Bernard, Sarah Berger as Gloria, Laurie Atlas as Berthe, Michael Park as Robert, Brittany Mento as Gabriella, Jillian Graziosa as Gretchen.

Boeing Boeing played its final performance on September 30, 2018 at the Merrick Theatre and Center For The Arts. http://www.merrick-theatre.com

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