Boeing Boeing a hilarious farce
By Susan Stein

The cast of the South Simcoe Theatre production Boeing Boeing.

If in your future plans you consider flying somewhere, pay attention to the stewardesses on board.

But meanwhile, get a ticket to fly to South Simcoe Theatre on Hamilton Street in Cookstown, where three stewardesses get a lot of attention in the hilarious play Boeing Boeing.

They don't serve tea, coffee and meals at this farcestyle play, but give a service of a very different kind.

And not on a plane but in Paris, in the apartment of Bernard, a well-to-do playboy, whose main interest seems to be women.

His latest are stewardesses and with connection to the Paris airport gets flight schedules from different airlines, and invites three to his apartment, one at a time, according to his timetable.

One is an American, one German, one French, and all think that they are Bernard's one and only. Everything seems to go according to Bernard's plans until their flight schedules are rearranged at the last minute and all come to his apartment at the same time.

Confusion reigns and it seems the stage is a revolving door with Bernard trying to hide them in his bedrooms.

For each of them, he asks Bertha, his faithful, devoted houskeeper, to prepare special meals: American for Janet, German for Judith and French for Jacqueline. Grudgingly but efficiently she gets it done and although utterly disgusted with the situation, helps to bring some order into it.

Bernard's old friend Robert also comes to Paris and drops in unexpectedly at his apartement and nillywilly gets involved in sorting out the mess of too many women at the same time. With him getting close and personal with Judith and even promising her marriage, he manages to free Bernard from one.

Whether one of the three stewardesses have Bernard as her beloved fiance is not clear.

Let's put it this way: At the end of the show, all three stewardesses take flight, and the two friends stay alone, rejoicing to be carefree bachelors.

Presenting to you the cast, I have to give top billing to Sandi Simpson - Bertha. She brings to her character years of experience, gained already at Bradford High School, on to leading roles on stages and TV.

With her flair for comedy, she is the perfect choice for portraying Bertha, not only in acting, but also in her talent for mimikry, expressing each nuance of her reaction to the shenanigans of Bernard.

Kudos for their acting, elocution, for their energy, must be given to all members of the cast in order of appearance: David Potocki as Bernard, Ashely Casciato as Janet, Kristen Alary as Judith, Patrick Voo as Robert, Nancy Knapp as Jacqueline. They make you laugh, they involve you in their predicament, they should be seen in future productions at the theatre.

It would be fair to give credits to Margaret Jackson, who as director and stage manager, has done the terrfic job in bringing the best out of her cast, is the one to be applauded for this flawless show.

Thanks to Susanne Ryan, who once again as the producer, made it possible for theatre lovers to come to the theatre.

Also to Christina Luck, whose creativity in set design is a great advantage to the theatre productions. She is already looking forward to create the sets for the upcoming mucial Man of la Mancha.

Boeing Boeing will be playing until Feb. 24. Thursday through Saturday evenings and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets may be ordered from the box office at 458-4432 or at the door.

Be sure to go!