Theatre Of Dare Presents Comedy ‘Boeing Boeing’ In April

Posted By Matt Artz on April 12, 2017

Theatre of Dare has announced the final production of its 2016-2017 season, presenting the 55-year-old French comedy Boeing Boeing live on stage in Manteo for six shows during last two weekends of April.

“Drink up. We’re in for a bumpy night.” So admonishes overworked French maid Berthe (Jessica Sands) as things begin to spin hilariously out of control in Theatre of Dare’s upcoming production of Boeing Boeing.

But it also might be good advice for audience members to fasten their seat belts and put tray tables into their upright and locked positions for this fast-paced, high-flying, turbulent farce.

“This is unlike anything we’ve done in a while,” says Tim Hass, who plays mild-mannered and timid Wisconsinite Robert. “The pacing, the physical comedy, the reactions… everything seems to go at double speed in this show. The audience will definitely not be bored.”

The play revolves around Bernard (Daniel Ziegler), an American bachelor in 1960’s Paris who seemingly has the ideal life: he’s engaged to three beautiful air hostesses (Katelyn Rea, Rachel Twigg, Madeleine VanMiddlesworth) who don’t know about each other because their flight schedules never intersect.

But things start going awry as jet engines get faster, and Bernard, his visiting friend Robert, and his maid Berthe have to contend with the fallout as the ladies all start showing up at the same time.

The classic French farce was originally written in 1962 by Marc Camoletti and eventually made into a movie starting Tony Curtis and Jerry Lewis in 1965. The play enjoyed new life on London’s West End in 2007 and Broadway in 2008, winning the 2009 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

According to the Guiness Book of World Records, it is the most performed French play in the world.

“If people enjoyed Spamalot, they’re going to enjoy Boeing Boeing,” says Ziegler, who doubles as the production’s director. “The jokes come fast and furious, and with people coming in and out of doors at breakneck speed, it really bumps up the level of comedy. It’s an extremely funny show.”

“And best of all,” he adds, “ none of these air hostesses works for United.”

Boeing Boeing takes the stage April 21, 22, 28, and 29 at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees on April 23 and 30 at 2pm. Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for students, and all performances will be held at the COA (College of the Albemarle) Auditorium in Manteo. For tickets and more information, go to theatreofdareobx.com.