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Laugh out loud and bounce on your seat with Repertory’s BOEING BOEING. It’s the Philippine premiere theatre company’s 76th season opener, a classic ’60s sex comedy by Marc Camoletti and translated from the original 60’s-set French play by Beverly Cross and Francis Evans. I had the opportunity to attend the press preview and I couldn’t help but rave about it! I’m no stranger to Repertory Philippines theatre presentations, having watched their plays since I was a kid back when they were still playing at the Insular Life Theatre. Since then, I have enjoyed their superb performances. BOEING BOEING is no different.
It tells the story of the swinging bachelor Bernard who couldn’t be happier. He owns a flat in Paris and is engaged with all three gorgeous stewardesses without knowing about each other. It’s all perfect in Bernard’s life until it gets bumpy when his friend Robert comes to stay and a new speedier Boeing jets throws him off all his careful planning. Soon all three stewardesses are in town simultaneously, with timid Robert getting involved in helping his friend manage the situation but keep forgetting which lies to tell to whom, and catastrophe looms.
Miguel Faustmann did a great job in directing the play. The swinging bachelor Bernard Whitford, is a combination of Don Draper and Jack Tripper. He is a playboy who juggles love affairs with three air hostesses who touch down briefly but lovingly in his apartment between flights is played by David Bianco to a tee. Topper Fabregas plays the role of the unworldly Robert, Bernard’s boyhood friend, newly arrived from Wisconsin. Fabregas portrays that innocence that’s very much needed in the character.
Of course, not to be left behind are the three lovely ladies, bringing their own acting prowess to the play. I can see why a guy like Bernard would fall in love with them all at the same time. Bringing to mind fantasy drawings from a vintage Esquire or Playboy for a portfolio of international dream girls are the three fiancées: Giannina Ocampo as Gabriella, the sentimental, lusty Italian stewardess. Carla Dunareanu as Gretchen, the hilarious, aggressive, dominating but thin-skinned German stewardess. Jennifer Blair-Bianco as Gloria, the Southern belle with upbeat disposition take-charge health-obsessed American stewardess.
Baby Barredo plays the role of Bertha, Bernard’s long-suffering housekeeper who is a chic, black-clad philosopher. She is a French existentialist maid who loves nothing more than to complain. Barredo is such a natural on stage and I can say that she stole the show. I’m sure Joy Virata as the alternate will do great as well.
I just love theatre – the acting, the lines and the movements. Plus of course, this play is witty and fun! I also love the fact that the production tried their best to be faithful to the original play, with a twist. All three ladies wore clothes and accessories similar to that of a flight attendant. Even the bag has the airline’s logo on it. I’m sure they’d have more of it if needed, including a promotional emery boards if possible to make it more realistic. I’m trying my best not to give spoiler here. All I can say is you’ll definitely laugh out loud and bounce on your seat with Repertory’s BOEING BOEING. It has won the 2008 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Revival of a play and I’m glad it’s now in the Philippines.
Catch the the classic ’60s sex comedy BOEING BOEING, currently running until February 17, 2013 at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City. For further inquiries regarding the details of show, please call 5716926 or 5714941 or email [email protected] or log on to www.repertory.ph. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. Don’t forget to connect with Repertory Philippines on Youtube and Facebook.
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Ness
28 January, 2013 at 12:37 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Will try my best to watch this before Feb 17th. This is super fun for sure!
jsncruz
27 January, 2013 at 5:41 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I was about to say I’ll skip this if this was going to be at Meralco Theater but seeing as it’s right beside my favorite hangout of GB3, this might just be possible
Thanks for the information! I find a lot of plays and productions from YOUR blog haha.
Mai Flores
27 January, 2013 at 12:31 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I am a huge FA aspirant so I think I would love this theater act. I was moved even more with your review of the play. So I’ll try my best to get tickets before the show ends. I’m sure there’s a book version, right?
Jerome Ibuyan
27 January, 2013 at 12:14 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Wow! Alwin, you’re fortunate you had the chance to watched this theater act. I’d been hearing this from the Magic 899 radio station because one of the dj’s is in the cast. She’s Carla D. I think she’s one of the lovely stewardess.
Alwin Aguirre
27 January, 2013 at 1:41 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
i think her full name is Carla Dunareanu as Gretchen. I agree, I’m very fortunate to watched this play. It was sort of unexpected, coz I simply received a text message inviting me to watch. of course I immediately said YES
Algene
27 January, 2013 at 12:03 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Looks like it’s a great theather show! Sad naman kasi I will miss it. Sana I can catch this show next time
R.O.M.E.L.O.
27 January, 2013 at 12:47 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
based on how you described it… it looks like a very fun play to watch… I’m sure theater lovers like yourself will enjoy and have a good time watching it…
Alwin Aguirre
27 January, 2013 at 1:43 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
it is a very fun play. they brought the house down, everyone was laughing. even those watching a theater act for the first time will definitely enjoy it. you should watch it
Mi Esimos Boldios
26 January, 2013 at 4:17 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
classical play of the past redefined
Mi Esimos Boldios
26 January, 2013 at 4:17 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
stage play?
soo good.
papaleng
26 January, 2013 at 10:59 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Seems a very hilarious stage play to catch. O’ll the play details kasi I might treat my wife to a night at Boeing ..Boeing
- Justin -
26 January, 2013 at 5:41 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I’m a great fan of stage plays since I was part of our high school theater club.. though I haven’t really get across this play, I think it’s interesting since it was set back in 1960′s…
Orly Ballesteros
26 January, 2013 at 3:58 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I love plays. This one sure is a fun play. I hope I will have time to watch this - as in seriously.
Rochkirstin Santos
26 January, 2013 at 2:05 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I love theatre acts! And I love playing as one character rather than staying at the audience area watching the show.
Alwin Aguirre
27 January, 2013 at 12:16 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Same here. I actually missed theatre when i watched this
Mark Morfe
26 January, 2013 at 1:05 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Since they have several dates for the play, I’m sure most theater aficionados would make time to watch this.
jo-ann
26 January, 2013 at 12:22 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I like the story, very humorous. I’ll tell my husband about this show so we can watch this.
Franc Ramon
26 January, 2013 at 11:46 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
These looks like a good one and I’m sure those stewardess actress would be really pretty.