The hit Broadway comedy, "Boeing-Boeing" is coming in for a landing at the Norris Theatre in Rolling Hills Estates, for nine performances through February 12. The spirited farce won the 2008 Tony award for Best Revival of a play, and has left Broadway and London audiences airborne with laughter. "Boeing-Boeing" is the prequel to the popular comedy, "Don?t Dress for Dinner," which was presented by the Norris four years ago.
"Set in the swinging '60s, "Boeing-Boeing" spins its zany tale of intrigue and romance around Bernard, a successful architect living in Paris, who is deftly juggling three flight attendant fiancés. With a complex system based upon their flight schedules and some assistance from his disapproving housekeeper, his carefully constructed timetable runs like clockwork until a new, faster Boeing jet goes into service. Bernard's supersonic lifestyle hits turbulence when the unexpected schedule changes bring all three women to his apartment at the same time, and his intricate ruse unravels in one wild, door-slamming night of comic mayhem.
Written by French playwright Marc Camoletti, "Boeing-Boeing" premiered in Paris in 1960, where it ran for 19 years and is the most-performed French play in the world. The play was made into a movie starring Tony Curtis and Jerrry Lewis, and the 2008 revival became a multiple Tony-award smash Broadway hit.
The Norris Theatre production is directed James W. Gruessing and stars David Engel as Bernard and Larry Raben as Robert. Five-time Ovation award-winning actor David Engel has appeared in many Broadway musicals and he created the role of of Hanna from Hamburg in the original production of "La Cage Aux Folles." Engel playEd Bernard in the Norris production of "Don?t Dress for Dinner." Veteran actor Larry Raben was last seen at the Norris as Felix in the previous season?s production of "The Odd Couple." He played Leo Bloom in "The Producers" on Broadway and in Las
Vegas. "Boeing-Boeing" is generously sponsored by Remax Palos Verdes Realty, Southbay Magazine and Bennett Landscaping.
Show times are 8 p.m. on January 27, 28, February 3, 4, 10 and 11, and 2 p.m. on Jan. 29, February 5 and 12. The play is recommended for audiences ages 13 over. Tickets cost $38 and are available online at www.norriscenter.com, by phone at 310- 544-0403, or in person at the box office. For discounted group ticket sales ask for extension 256. The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Drive in Rolling Hills Estates. The theatre is wheelchair accessible, and free, covered parking is available.
The Norris Center for the Performing Arts is a not-for- profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Center
is comprised of two facilities, the Norris Theatre and the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, a performing
and special event venue, and the home for the Norris education department. These facilities
have become cornerstones for the performing arts on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the entire
South Bay area of Los Angeles. Website: http://www.norriscenter.com
Photo Credit: Lily Lim
Suzanne-Elyse Choplin and David Engel
Evie Hutton, Suzanne-Elyse Choplin
Elaine Hayhurst and Larry Raben
Evie Hutton, Suzanne-Elyse Choplin, Elaine Hayhurst
Tracy Lore and Steven Stanley
David Engel, Tracy Lore and Larry Raben
Evie Hutton, Larry Raben, Tracy Lore, David Engel, Suzanne Choplin, Suzanne-Elyse Choplin, Elaine Hayhurst and Elaine Hayhurst
