REVIEW: The HTC Play: “Boeing Boeing,” A Big Success in Quogue  

Hampton Theatre Company’s “Boeing Boeing” production opened successfully as the audience roared with laughter and applause throughout the performance. This is the Hampton Theatre Company’s 40th season. Set in the 60s in Paris, “Boeing Boeing” is a play by Marc Camoletti, translated by Beverly Cross and Francis Evans. It opened on March 13th and will run until March 30th at the Quogue Community Hall. The Director is Catherine Clyne, and the show’s Producer is George Loizides.

This production of “Boeing Boeing” is a high-energy comedy and everything good theater should be. Well known all over Long Island, Director Catherine Clyne has created a splendid show, as this is her first time directing for the Hampton Theatre Company. She always positioned her actors with great sight lines and movement that augmented the flow of the play’s dialogue.

It would be hard to pick one actor who shined a touch brighter than the others on the stage in this production. It is very rare when all of the cast equally glows on top of their game with show-stopping lines.

Kevin Russo’s “Bernard” is perfect for this role. Mr. Russo has a very smooth delivery and a unique, “Rex Harrington-like ” voice. His wonderful energy and dynamic stage presence propel the show on a wonderful arc that lays a foundation for this production, which uses it as a launching pad for the rest of the cast.

Jill Linden portrays Berthe, the maid. Ms. Linden is brilliant with her deadpan delivery of some wonderful lines. Her movements and facial expressions only add to what can only be called a truly wonderful performance. The audience caught every nuance, raised eyebrow, and comic stare. She is great. Kudos to Ms. Linden.

Samm Jenny’s role is Gloria, the American Air Line hostess. She is striking in her red TWA uniform, easily drawing the attention of the audience with every movement. Ms. Jenny glides around the stage with panache and is yet another audience favorite. The lights seem to find her very easily. She sparkles and glistens under those lights and mesmerizes the audience every time she delivers her lines.

However, there is Gretchen, the Lufthansa Air Line hostess, played by Emily Vaeth. Ms. Vaeth’s comic dimension added belly laughter from the audience to this production. Another crowd favorite, she demonstrated tremendous physical acting skills and pure comedy talent. You will leave the theater remembering her performance.

That’s not to say that Molly Brennan’s performance as Gabriella was anything less than dynamic and zestful. Ms. Brennan, no stranger to East End theaters, had a delicate yet dynamic touch that drew in the audience whenever she was on stage. Her future as an actor is already set in stone.

Last but not least is Jason Moreland’s performance as Robert because he stole so many scenes with just a roll of his eyes or a turn of his head. His crazy, obvious talent captured the audience and was the cement that made this production solid. Mr. Moreland is a talent that will find fame and perhaps fortune.

Adding to the success of this production is the set design by Joe Kenny; lighting design by Sebastian Paczynski; and costumes by Teresa Lebrun.

Performances of “Boeing Boeing” will run through March 30 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7, and on Sundays at 2:30. An additional matinee performance will be offered on Saturday, March 29, at 2:30, prior to the regular p.m. performance that evening.

Two “talkbacks” with the cast will be offered to ticket holders immediately following the March 21 and March 28 Friday-evening performances.

For tickets, visit Hamptontheatre.org