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Comedy ‘Boeing Boeing’ opens Clarion’s 2016-17 theatre season

September 29, 2016
boeing boeing
Modern farce "Boeing Boeing" opens the university theatre season Oct. 5.

Clarion University Theatre’s performance of the comedy “Boeing Boeing” will open the 2016-2017 university theatre season at 8 p.m. Oct. 5 in Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre.

“Boeing Boeing” is a modern farce originally written in 1961 by Marc Camoletti and translated by Beverly Cross and Francis Evans. The play follows Bernard, a bachelor, as he balances his three airline stewardess fiancées. With one being American, one Italian and one German, it’s easy for him to hide his secret as he meets with them during their respective layovers. A visit from an old friend, unexpected storms and new, more powerful jet engines bring unexpected developments to his romantic escapades.

The production is being directed by Marilouise Michel, a professor of theatre at Clarion University. Michel had been looking to direct a farce, a type of comedy with many elements that heavily involve perfect timing, since the university had not performed one for a while.

"Comedy is a challenging form of theatre that is important for our students to perfect, as well as being really enjoyable for audiences," she said.

After seeing a former Clarion student in a Pittsburgh CLO production of "Boeing Boeing" and learning that the show won a Tony Award for the best revival in 2008, Michel felt that it was everything she was looking for. The show also has four women's parts, which was fitting because the department is always looking for shows with opportunities for women. The actors are also learning Italian, German and French accents with assistance from Robert Bullington, assistant professor and dialect coach.

The cast is made up of freshman Tree Zuzzio of Camp Hill as Bernard, sophomore Betsy Novotny of West Homestead as Gloria, junior Tori Heckert of Red Lion as Berthe, sophomore Justin Baumgarten of Philipsburg as Robert, freshman Lindsay Smelcer of Philadelphia as Gabriella, senior Gabrielle Pauley of Columbia as Gretchen, and freshman Daniel La Mond of Huntingtown, Md., as the understudy for men.

Three of the women had to learn her character's French, German or Italian dialect.

Since the play is a farce, there are many people coming and going, and there are seven doors on stage that constantly get used. The intricate set was designed by associate professor Edward Powers, and theatre instructor Myra Bullington designed costumes.

The students behind the scenes include junior Thomas Feather of Windber as lighting director, senior Courtney Chaplin of McMurray as props manager, junior Robert Reiser of Langhorne as stage manager and freshman Rachel Hutchison of Beaver Falls as dramaturg.

The show is open to the public and is performed Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for students 12 and younger and free for any Clarion University student that presents their university ID. For ticketing information visit www.clarionuniversitytickets.com.

Last Updated 1/11/21