A play, set in 1960s Paris, Boeing, Boeing, written by French playwright Marc Camoletti translated by Beverly Cross, opens Keizer Homegrown Theatre (KHT)’s 2024 season on Friday, Feb. 9.
The play centers on American bachelor playboy Bernard, who has a flat in Paris and three airline stewardesses, all engaged to him without knowing about each other.
Bernard’s life gets bumpy, though, when his friend Robert unexpectedly comes to stay, and complications, such as weather and a new, speedier Boeing jet disrupt his careful planning.
Soon, all three stewardesses are in the city simultaneously and catastrophe looms.
In his second outing on the Keizer Homegrown stage, military veteran Derek White plays Bernard. He previously appeared in the KHT production of The Odd Couple in 2023. White is a student at The Salem Playhouse, where he refines his acting craft.
Bernard’s visiting friend is played by Dustin Luna, making his Keizer Homegrown debut. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Western Oregon University.
The three stewardesses are played by Mandi Thompson (Gloria, sexy American go-getter), Elizabeth Ming (Gretchen, a beautiful and strong German who works for Lufthansa) and
Emily Adela Loberg (Gabriella, a feisty and passionate Italian).
Rounding out the cast is Laura Davis who plays Berte, Bernard’s French housekeeper, who is perpetually exhausted and exasperated.
This is the fourth KHT production for Thompson, who has appeared in shows at Pentacle Theatre, Sellwood Playhouse and Mid-Valley Theatre Network.
Ming tackles her seventh play at Keizer Homegrown with Boeing, Boeing. Making her KHT debut is Emily Adela Loberg. She is scheduled to direct Boy Gets Girl at Pentacle Theatre later this year.
Davis has appeared in two previous KHT shows. She has also performed with Albany Civic Theatre and Pentacle Theatre.
Boeing,Boeingis directed by Keizer Homegrown veteran Jeff Minden, who was drawn to the show due to its comedic farce.
“While looking for shows for the season I knew I wanted a farce. A farce is a specific kind of comedy show, where the humor comes as much from the timing of actions, entrances and exits as it does from the dialogue,” said Minden
“I laughed every time I read it.” Minden’s previous Keizer Homegrown endeavors include direction of the group’s 10th anniversary show in 2022 as well as acting roles dating back to KHT’s earliest days.
With the show set in Paris in circa 1960, Minden said he lucked out with a crew that helped with the look of play, from sets to costumes and props.
“It’s always a challenge keeping a consistent theme in costumes, props and sets for a period piece, especially with a foreign country setting, but thanks to a dedicated and helpful crew we have pulled it off. I couldn’t have done it without them,” Minden said.
Nathaniel J Price’s set design evokes a sense of place and time, that comes alive with the expert set decoration.
Long-time costumer Jeri Gamaney is assisted by Louise Biffle to dress the actors, espe- cially those playing the stewardesses in appropriate ’60s attire.
The director also gives praise to his small cast. “I got very lucky casting the show,” he said, citing the actors found their characters themselves.
Staging a romantic com- edy in February allows Keizer Homegrown to do something new: a special Valentine’s Day performance on Feb. 14. Tickets for the special show are $30 and include pre-show appetizers and dessert at intermission.
Tickets for Valentine’s Day and the regular run are available online at keizerhomegrowntheatre.org; passes and discounts do not apply for the Feb. 14 show. Regular run tickets are $15, free with an Oregon Trail card. Season tickets are also available at KHT’s website.
The 2024 season is presented by the Erik and Laura Davis Fund. Show sponsor for Boeing, Boeingis Keizer State Farm Insurance agent Sam Goesch.
Showtimes for Boeing, Boeingare 7 p.m. on Fridays-Saturdays, through Feb. 24. Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. are scheduled for Feb. 11.
Contact Publisher Lyndon Zaitz:
[email protected] or 503-390-1051
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