“Boeing Boeing” is an ecstatic experience

Victoria Abella/Staff Writer

The “Boeing Boeing” journey was a smooth, fast paced and comical ride, filled with whimsical fun from lively characters.

When the main character Bernard’s three fiancés unexpectedly arrive at his house without knowledge of each other, he, his friend and maid jump through obstacles to keep it that way.

From the moment you walk into the show, the music and set take you to 1962 Paris. Airplanes were heard soaring above the audience, and Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me” setting the tone at the start of the show With work from scenic designer Apriah Williams and prop master Tyler Correa, the living room set featured many intricate details and decorated walls. To add to the storytelling, there were multiple doors that allowed for constant motion between the characters. The set was both practical and beautiful.  

With dialects from all over the world, the actors truly encapsulated their characters, from their personalities and quirks to their relationships. Bernard, played by William Guevara, would show love and admiration to each of his fiancés, then look at the audience as if looking out the window of his Parisian flat, revealing his true anxiety through his lively and comical facial expressions.

Berthe the maid, played by Rachel Gil de Gibaja, was definitely a crowd favorite. Her wit and odious attitude towards her “monsieur” provided a voice for the most sane of reason.

The first fiancé on stage was Gloria, the air hostess from Brooklyn, played by Athena Watkins. Gloria and Bernard’s relationship portrayed a typical, adorable, soon-to-be engaged couple – until she left to work and Bernard revealed that his two other fiancés were arriving that day. Before that, though, his trusty friend Robert, played by Brandon Urrutia, arrived to stay a while at his flat. He ended up assisting his friend in running this complex scheme.

As Robert, Urrutia truly took the show in his reins and made it his own. The audience could feel the stress and close-calls he went through and take a sigh of relief when he dodged and prevented awkward situations from occurring. “Bernard’s Italian” Gabriella, played by Rosalyn Tavarez, arrived for lunch and went out with Bernard, shortly before “his German” Gretchen, played by Lauren Jenkins, arrived for dinner and stayed for three days.

There was a unique dynamic to the story that allowed the audience to truly get to know each character. It did not feel like they were acting; it felt real. One could tell that all the actors become their characters as their dialects and idiosyncrasies were genuine. Their character interpretations allowed for an authentic performance that brought the audience into this story filled with diverse characters. Laughter erupted when Gretchen fell to the floor sobbing over her love for Bernard, followed by gasps and more laughs when she went in for a mistaken kiss. The characters’ facial expressions and overall movement were vivid and bright, like their costumes designed by Marina Pareja.

The story and character development flowed well; there certain recurring punchlines and moments that kept the audience at the edge of their seats. Towards the end of the play, the audience wondered if a “big reveal” was coming soon, and the play concluded in an unexpected yet still satisfactory way.

In this farce, the audience was able to just sit back and be entertained. The fast pace and comedy kept the audience engaged and laughing the entire duration of the show. The energy brought playgoers together through a shared, ecstatic experience. There was never a dull moment in “Boeing Boeing,” which was definitely much enjoyed by the audience.

Featured photo by Victoria Abella.