Boeing-Boeing: A Sparkling Silk Purse

Regular readers will recall that I make occasional forays into "legitimate" or "straight" theater. (Although I abhor both terms: so musicals are illegitimate? Or crooked?) But what more excuse could I need as inducement to stray beyond my musical predilections than the prospect of the delectable Christine Baranski in her first Broadway role in 17 years?

OK, so the vehicle in which she's making her long-overdue return, Beoing-Boeing, is nothing more than a rickety excuse for a French sex farce. Somehow director Matthew Warchus manages a feat of alchemy, turning theatrical dross into comic gold. Warchus has amassed a stellar cast of comic actors and crafted a confoundingly entertaining production.

The highlight of this uniformly marvelous cast is Tony nominee Mark Rylance, who recreates his acclaimed and Olivier-nominated role from the London production of Boeing-Boeing. Rylance is letter-perfect as the put-upon schlub with the inexplicable sex appeal, who seems to inspire gales of laughter with his every move, gesture, and expression. It's a masterful and captivating performance.

Matching Rylance note-for-note is leading man Bradley Whitford as the American Lothario attempting to juggle three separate "air hostess" fiancees. It's when this simple little system inevitably falls apart that Whitford really shines, adopting a high-pitched panic that satisfyingly shatters the character's smug equanimity. 

Director Warchus also mines comic gold from the sexy stewardesses, who receive three distinct and sharp characterizations from three remarkable actresses. Gina Gershon handily proves that she's left certain pole-dancing movie parts behind her as Whitford's Italian paramour. The delightfully crass Kathryn Hahn hams it up deliciously as the American stew. And best of all is Tony nominee Mary McCormack as the Teutonic powerhouse Gretchen. There's something about each of these performances that's decidedly over-the-top, yet somehow in context it all works. Warchus creates a heightened reality in which the actions and mannerisms of these aeronautic Amazons make perfect sense.

I must admit I was a tad disappointed in Christine Baranski as the irascible French cook Berthe. She was effective, sure, but unremarkable. I guess I went in expecting her to blow me away, but she wound up merely working in the part, without standing out, which I suppose is fine. I think the wonderful Ms. Baranski may have fallen victim to my elevated expectations. She was certainly the source of many hearty laughs throughout the madcap evening.

On a side note, this trip to the Longacre allows me to cross another Broadway theater off my list. I now have only three to go: the Broadway, the Lyceum, and the Winter Garden. I'll be entering the first two with Shrek and [title of show] . As for the last, well I might have to break down and grab a cheap seat to Mamma Mia. Or I might not.

Comments

[Vance]

Mamma Mia really isn't that bad. Well, it is bad but it's still a lot of fun and is spectacularly hilarious when it tries to shove in every song from the Gold album into a plotline!

[chris caggiano]

Oh, I've seen Mamma Mia, but on tour. I'm just wondering whether it's worth seeing it again just to see the inside of the Winter Garden.

The Boston Gay Men's Chorus is doing sort of a gay version of Mamma Mia for its pride concert this June. The concert features the music of ABBA, so it was a natural. Look for a self-serving post about the concert very soon.

[Steve On Broadway (SOB)]

Chris, Now that I've finally posted my own review, I allowed myself to read your terrific critique.

While I believe we agree overall, it's interesting that Baranski was a bit of a letdown the night you saw her, but Whitford and McCormick were rocking. It was quite the opposite the night I went.

Nevertheless, the show was more fun than it should have been given the various plot devices, and I give enormous credit to Warchus for making the show fly by with plenty of laughs.

Finally, congrats to you for crossing the Longacre off your list. Since we're now both tied with just three theatres, I'll be eager to see who manages to cross the remaining ones off first.