The original Broadway production folded after 23 performances in 1965. But according to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the most performed French play throughout the world. There are no less than four film versions, ranging from a 1965 Hollywood flick with Jerry Lewis and Tony Curtis to a 2005 Bollywood version.
Its comedy-of-errors plot follows an architect in Paris (Bradley Whitford of "The West Wing") who juggles three airline stewardess fiancés. He acts as a kind of air-traffic controller, carefully planning when the gals fly in and out of his swanky bachelor pad. As you'd expect, all three fiancés invade the place at once and all hell breaks loose.
In the tradition of extreme sports, this cast's superb ensemble work, which involves gleefully indulging in door slamming, makeout scenes and ridiculous foreign accents, should be deemed "extreme character acting." It is more than mere fun to watch—it's downright intoxicating.
Christine Baranski, sporting thick glasses and an even thicker French accent, portrays the lead male's sarcastic, high-powered maid. Playing the three flight attendants are Kathryn Hahn (the American), Gina Gershon (the Italian) and Mary McCormack (the German).
But the real hero of "Boeing-Boeing" is Mark Rylance, who plays a socially awkward visitor who unknowingly gets mixed up in his pal's swinger lifestyle. Rylance, a renowned Shakespearian actor, creates silent slapstick comedy that perfectly compliments the play's madcap atmosphere.
While we are not defending the literary merits—or lack thereof—of this straight male fantasy play, Matthew Warchus' revival is extremely well-staged, perfectly cast and insanely funny. As in "Noises Off," you'll find yourself deliriously laughing at each and every line for two and a half happy hours.
Longacre Theatre, 220 W. 48th St, 212-239-6200, $26.50-99.50. Open run.
Photo: Mark Rylance and Gina Gershon/Ari Mintz, Newsday
