Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance presents Marc Camoletti’s classic 1960s comic farce, “Boeing Boeing,” at Sawyer Theatre this week, starting Thursday, September 24. The play follows Bernard, a character who expertly juggles three flight attendant fiancees, with the complexities of international travel initially working in his favor.
According to Ian Andersen, the show’s director, the story begins with Bernard maintaining a careful balance between three different women, each a flight attendant of a distinct nationality—one from the United States, one from Germany, and one from Italy. These three women fly for three different airlines. Andersen explained that the extensive time required for international travel allows Bernard to spend a few days with each fiancee before her departure and the arrival of the next. However, the introduction of newer, faster aircraft drastically upends Bernard's meticulously planned schedule, leading to a series of near-misses and significant disruption in his chaotic romantic life.
Andersen described the production as a "1960s door-slam sex farce." Given the script's original setting, Valdosta State University Theatre maintains the 1960s motif throughout the scenic, costume, and hair designs. Andersen noted that, in that era, "stewardesses were the supermodels of the era," influencing the visual style of the show.
The first act of “Boeing Boeing” establishes the premise before the plot escalates into what Andersen characterized as "absolute chaos." This chaos is marked by a series of misunderstandings, close calls, and doors continually slamming as characters make dramatic exits and entrances. In his director notes, Andersen reflected that "Beneath all of the slamming doors and romantic complications, however, is a simple reminder that people are considerably harder to organize than airline schedules," adding that "Love has an inconvenient way of refusing to follow the plan."
“Boeing Boeing” first premiered in Paris in 1960. By 1991, the Guinness Book of Records recognized it as the most produced French play globally. It was translated into English and premiered in London in the early 1960s. The play also inspired a movie adaptation starring Tony Curtis and Jerry Lewis, and its 2008 Broadway revival earned a Tony award.
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, September 24-26, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, September 27. All shows take place at Sawyer Theatre, located within the Valdosta State University Fine Arts Building, at the corner of Oak and Brookwood streets. For more information or to make reservations, residents may call (229) 333-5973 or visit the Valdosta State University Department of Communication Arts website.
The cast for “Boeing Boeing” includes Tomas Urroz Arena, Hannah Miller, Tiah Carthers, David Cooper, Lindsay Pettit, and Cynthia Trespalacios.
Behind the scenes, the direction and production team features Ian Andersen as director, Madison Grant as technical director and scenic designer, Allison Rooker as stage manager, Savanna Davis as sound designer, Brynna Norris as makeup and hair designer, Blair Andersen as choreographer, Joshua Williams as lighting designer, and Chalise Ludlow as costume designer.
