"Boeing-Boeing"          Act Two Playhouse, Ambler, PA          September 22 - October 24, 2009

“Boeing-Boeing” is soaring at the Act II Playhouse in Ambler, PA. Artistic Director Bud Martin has scored a real coup in acquiring the rights to this Broadway hit and being the first to bring it to the Philadelphia area. Martin’s contacts as a Broadway producer (“The Story of My Life,” “Nine to Five,” and “Burn the Floor”) allowed him to get the jump on the rights to the show and Act II Playhouse has taken full advantage of the opportunity.

The show chronicles the antics of an American playboy in Paris who is engaged to three different flight attendants at once. Who needs a love triangle when you can have a rectangle? Flight delays and cancellations wreak havoc on the playboy’s ability to balance the three relationships. Even with the help of a longtime friend from home, his life starts to take a nosedive. The complications make for an evening of pure fun.

Director Harriet Power has created a production that is smooth sailing from take-off to landing. The pace is fast moving and the evening goes by in a flash. The timing of entrances and exits is akin to the classic comedy “Noises Off” and Power make it appear seamless. Moreover, she has assembled a cast that is top-notch.

Local favorite Tony Braithwaite shines in the role of the visiting friend and, as he so often does, commands the attention of the audience. Anthony Lawton aptly plays the part of the playboy juggling three romances at once. The pairing of the two works beautifully.

However, it doesn’t stop there. Sarah Doherty is delightful as the maid who grows more and more frustrated with juggling her boss’ never-ending schedule of romantic liaisons. And those liaisons are noteworthy indeed.

All three flight attendants bring a vibrancy to the production that keeps up the frenetic pace. Deven Walker (TWA), Kristyn Chouiniere (Lufthansa), Jessica DalCanton (Alitalia) are all magnificent. Accents are authentic and maintained throughout the entire production. And these three ladies aren’t too hard on the eyes either.

Throw in a wonderfully functional and attractive set, combined with the intimacy of the Act II Playhouse and you have all the ingredients for a terrific evening of theater. The laughs arrive on schedule. Make your reservation now for this richly entertaining flight.

Why you may want to see it? You need a good laugh and enjoy seeing a cast that has no “baggage.”

Why you may not want to see it? The dynamic and attractive women of this show may make you reassess your feelings about polygamy.