BWW Reviews: BOEING-BOEING Flies Into the Engeman Theatre

The uproarious production of Marc Camoletti's Boeing-Boeing that landed at Northport's John W. Engeman Theatre is indeed a brilliant night of theatre. Directed by BT McNicholl, the show runs through May 5^th at the Long Island venue and let me tell you that the talented cast will put even the biggest sour-puss in a good mood.

The hilarity starts with Bernard, portrayed by Peter Simon Hilton, an American businessman living in Paris who fixed it to have three fiancés. The women are, of course, airline hostesses and have different schedules, so they don't see each other. Bernard's slyness and eventual "panic attacks" were well portrayed by MR. Hilton.

His "panic attacks" were two-fold. First, because of the unexpected arrival of his childhood friend Robert, portrayed by John Scherer. Second there is a possible schedule change for each of the women. This lead to Bernard, with hilarious help from Robert, scramble to coordinate his once perfect love affairs.

Each of the ladies brought a distinct quality to each of their roles. The first fiancée we meet is Gloria, portrayed by Erin Leigh Peck. She is the American who works for TWA (the story takes place in the 1960's, mind you). Ms. Peck brought a sweet yet assertive aura to her character.

The second fiancée we meet is Gabriella, the Italian who works for Al Italia Airlines. Gabriella is wonderfully portrayed by Michelle Ragusa. Her fiery disposition and wonderful accent made Ms. Ragusa a wonderful Gabriella.

The third fiancée we meet is Gretchen, the German who works for Lufthansa Airlines, portrayed by Luba Mason. Ms. Mason was the most comical out of them. Her masculine Olympic style stance and forceful voice was met with roars of laughter from the nearly sold out audience.

We also meet Berthe, portrayed by the hilarious Kate Skinner. Berthe is Bernard's housekeeper and, to not much enthusiasm, helps Bernard coordinate each of the ladies arrivals and departures. This includes fixing the apartment and the food she prepares to accommodate each of the ladies. Ms. Skinner also brought a great comedy to her role.

Additionally, the set, done by Jonathan Collins, was fantastic. The story takes place over the course of one day in Bernard's flat in Paris. The high, curved walls and interestingly shapEd White sofa's made the set absolutely stunning.

And so Northport's Engeman Theatre has another fabulous production on their hands with Boeing-Boeing. The cast is truly wonderful and the chemistry they have will make you believe they've been doing this show for quite some time. Just remember you have until May 5^th until this production "departs".

Boeing-Boeing is presented by the John W. Engeman Theatre located at 250 Main Street in Northport, Long Island through May 5^th, 2013. By Marc Camoletti, translated from French by Beverly Cross and Francis Evans, Directed by BT McNicholl, Scenic Design by Jonathan Collins, Costume Design by Emily DeAngelis, Lighting Design by Philip S. Rosenberg, Sound Design by Craig Kaufman, Hair and Make-Up by Mark Adam Rampmeyer, Casting by Stuart Howard & Paul Hardt, Stage Manager is Michelle Lynn Hines. For more information and to purchase tickets please call (631) 261-2900 or visit engemantheater.com.

Photo 1 - Peter Simon HILTON (Bernard), John Scherer (Robert). Photo 2 - John Scherer (Robert), Erin Leigh Peck (Gloria). Photo 3 - John Scherer (Robert), Luba Mason (Gretchen). Photo 4 - Peter Simon HILTON (Bernard), Michele Ragusa (Gabriella). Photo 6 - John Scherer (Robert), Kate Skinner (Berthe).

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