FORESTBURGH – The 2025 Forestburgh Playhouse summer season is here and has taken off with an absolutely hysterical comedy! “Boeing Boeing” (yes, as in the airline) is set during the 1960’s where career bachelor Bernard enjoys the playboy life living in his luxury Paris apartment and juggling his relationships with three fiancées.  The ladies from all around the world work for different airlines; TWA (the American Gloria), Air Italia (the Italian Gabriella) and Lufthansa (the German Gretchen). Bernard relies on the trusted flight timetable to keep them all apart and brags about his antics to Robert, his visiting, longtime friend from rural Wisconsin. But soon all turns to chaos when flight times overlap!

This production is much more than the classic “out this door, in another door” farce that in itself is delightful to watch. The characters that are wonderfully developed by Marc Camoletti’s script are further enhanced and brought to vibrant life by a very talented cast led by comedic genius Director Scott Evans. Everyone knows that comedy is about timing. And if the timing isn’t there, the comedy isn’t there. Well, Mr. Evans ensures that every single “bit” is on the money and played to the hilt. And that’s no easy task in a two-act fast paced venture like this. But to his advantage, he has true professionals to direct. 

The synopsis would lead you to believe that Bernard (played by Joshua Woodie) is likened to Cary Grant’s Mortimer Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace” (one of my favorites!) and he is, but now add another Mortimer in Robert (Jason Babinsky) who is simply visiting and gets just as caught up as Bernard and quite frankly, even more so! Mr. Woodie as the handsome, sweet-talking Bernard who has had his charmed life turned upside down gives this playboy cad a likeability you can’t help but feel. Mr. Babinsky starts out as this naive, shy, bespectacled visitor who takes on various outlandish personas in order to cover for his buddy. His dialog and physical comedy had me clutching my gut several times. 

Then there’s the three very different flight attendants who are continually kept from each other. Dana Cullinane is a hoot as the American stewardess Gloria from TWA who has her own ideas and isn’t afraid to pursue them. Brittney Bertier is sweet and yet crazed as the Italian Gabriella. And Lauren Karaman arrives like a tornado as the German stewardess Gretchen. Ms. Karaman and Mr. Babinsky provide some of the evening’s most sidesplitting moments. 

In all of this, I haven’t had the chance to mention one constant throughout all of this mayhem. Bernard has a Parisian maid who knows all about his lifestyle and she is not happy about it. As a matter of fact, she is rarely happy at all. Amy Griffin’s Berthe is one of those roles that comes out of left field with something so unexpected that you find yourself laughing yourself into a fit. 

It’s obvious that the set with many doors has to work well with all of the physical comedy. Tim Golebiewski’s scenic design evokes the era with the 60’s furniture, a splash of color and chic props, but more importantly it allows the comedy to flow at a breakneck speed when needed. Simple, sleek, cool and functional. What more could you ask for?

This show only runs for a week! You’re reading this in Friday’s paper. That means you only have tonight, Saturday or Sunday to see this fantastic comedy. This show really is a fabulous jump start to what looks like a great summer season. I can’t say enough about this production. I had never heard of “Boeing Boeing,” but I can tell you that I am thrilled to have witnessed this hilarious production!

“Boeing Boeing” will run through June 22. Tickets and information are available through the box office at 845- 794-1194 or online at fbplayhouse.org.