On Thursday night, the California State University, Stanislaus, (Stan State), Theatre Department welcomed Stan State students and the Turlock community to their show Boeing Boeing: A non-stop comedy.
This farce comedy was presented on the main stage theatre on campus which began at 8 p.m. and sold out immediately the first night.
The play was directed by John Mayer, Theatre Department Chairman and Theatre Professor, who presented the show with a six-person cast.
Boeing Boeing, was written in 1964 by French playwright, Marc Camoletti, who wrote more than 40 plays and became a Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur in France. This play was his first major international success and became the most performed French play worldwide which ran for seven years in its debuted London production.
Many of Camoletti’s plays have also been produced for television. In 1965, a Boeing Boeing movie was released where two American film icons, Jerry Lewis and Tony Curtis, starred in. Jerry Lewis played the role of Robert Reed a houseguest and friend, while Tony Curtis played the role of American journalist, Bernard Lawrence.
Boeing Boeing takes place in Bernard Lawrence’s apartment in Paris, France where he’s secretly engaged with three stewardesses: Gloria, Gretchen and Gabriella. All three of his fiancés are from three different countries and airlines which have made it easy for Bernard to manage the affairs.
It becomes problematic for Bernard when his friend Robert comes over to visit and all three of his fiancés land the same night.
The play becomes a representation of a time when certain attitudes were seen as acceptable and provides an example of the entertainment that people had back in the 1960s.
Boeing Boeing is seen as misogynistic and tends to shed some light on the current attitudes that powerful political figures have aimed towards women.
Although this play may hold controversial or political connotations, the actors managed to steal the limelight with their performance which showcased their professional skills in the arts.
“The play was very entertaining. I was surprised because the actors had a lot to memorize and they had it all down. The emotions they put into each character really made it believable and enjoyable.” Elena Velasquez (sophomore, Criminal Justice) said.
“For a six-person cast, it was very entertaining,” Barbara Beasley (junior, Liberal Studies) stated.
“The timing was so fast. I was surprised on how well they did on cues. The play was phenomenal.”
Other students felt like the play was so convincing that they forgot where they were.
“The set was amazing. I felt like I was in France.”Aubrey Davis (community member) said.
For opening night, the cast, creative team and production were successful in engaging their audience with non-stop laughter and provided an accurate representation of the 1960s.
A list of 2017-2018 Stan State Theatre Department Productions are provided below:
Boeing Boeing
October 5-8 & 12-15
Roosters
November 9-12 & 16-19
Pippi Longstocking
January 25-28
Metamorphosis
March 8-11 & 15-18
Stage Reading-TBA
April 12-15
Tartuffe
May 1-6
Dance Concert
May 18-20
For more information call: Theatre Office: 667-3451, or Box Office: 667-3166
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Comedy show, Boeing Boeing, takes audience to France
Marisol Ochoa
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October 10, 2017
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