Boeing-Boeing

Longacre Theater

I guess you always need to say that you "saw it in previews, so it might not be quite there yet." So, I saw it in previews. And, in previews the show lasted two hours and a long forty five minutes. The second act picked up, but the first act felt like the actors were waiting for someone to arrive at the theater. Everyone took an impossibly long time with their lines and the pauses between them. This was a comedic farce--two hours and forty five minutes? Is that even possible?

I also need to say that I don't usually like farce. And, I've had some time to think this week about why I don't. I think my reasoning is that the audience has to suspend belief in such a way that as an audience member you actually have to dumb down your own intelligence. The protagonist is almost always the hapless, clueless chap--the innocent. To take his side, you have to ignore common sense and the action of the play. But, to take delight in the play you also have to relax into the action on the stage. For a play to measure up in both ways--the clueless person is lovable and just smart enough and the action is interesting, exciting and funny enough-- is almost impossible. When it works--kudos. But, so many can't help but fall short. They have an almost entirely impossible task.

The strength of Boeing-Boeing was its cast. It was especially strong in its clueless chap, Mark Rylance who played the part in London. It was also a joy to watch both Christine Baranski as the maid (always enjoyable) and Bradley Whitford as the "player" balancing three air hostess fiancees. (wonderful to watch, really).

But, the sets were painfully bland, even if slightly clever when the curtain goes up. After ten minutes they are a bit tired and the seams on the walls are a bit strange. And, everything looks like it came from the lower end of Ikea.

It was a difficult play to take. I've reflected on it for awhile before posting and it hasn't gotten better with time. I wouldn't recommend it. If you want a laugh, there's certainly something better to be had around town. If you love farce, I mean just love it, then this might be for you. Otherwise, definitely skip it. And, don't let the Tony fool you.