'Boeing Boeing' to deliver absurd comedy, challenge stereotypes

The 1960s was a time of revolutionary change, with challenges to social norms as society moved away from tradition. This fall's student honors production of the French farce "Boeing Boeing" at SUNY Oswego portrays this concept of change by challenging stereotypes and flipping them.

"Boeing Boeing," produced by Blackfriars and the SUNY Oswego theatre department, will run at 7:30 p.m. from Wednesday, Nov. 29, to Saturday, Dec. 2, with a 2 p.m. finale Sunday, Dec. 3. All performances will take place in the Tyler Hall lab theatre. SUNY Oswego senior theatre major Megan Hickey will direct.

Written by Marc Camoletti, "Boeing Boeing" premiered in 1960 and, by 1991, had become the most performed French play worldwide, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2007, it won a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

The farce, adapted for the English-speaking stage, follows a Parisian man, Bernard, as he juggles three fiancées -- an Italian, a German and an American. Bernard prides himself on his ability to manage the three women perfectly, but this is challenged when his friend Robert visits and airline schedules change to land all three women in Bernard's apartment at the same time.

Hickey has a specific vision for her rendition of "Boeing Boeing." She wants to examine stereotypes and challenge the public to question the validity of those stereotypes.

"My concept is about pointing out stereotypes and flipping them on their head," Hickey said. "'Boeing, Boeing' is a farce, so it makes fun of typical and stereotypical behavior.”

Changing times

The play goes for laughs in its portrayal of some common stereotypes about cultural and gender identities. For example, it stereotypically portrays such characters as Bernard’s "loud and passionate" Italian fiancée, Hickey said. But it challenges others.

"There are some stereotypes that are changed," she said. "The character Bernard goes against the ordinary nuclear family structure; the German woman is very sensitive and emotional instead of being stern." Hickey also said that in this play, the women hold more power than the men, which challenges the stereotype and perception of women being submissive.

Since the play is set in the 1960s, Hickey notes that the time period helps feeds the theme of challenging stereotypes.

"The late '60s was a time of change, revolution and going against the grain," Hickey said. "That’s basically my concept."

The cast includes Giovany Brice as Bernard, Evan Ribaudo (Robert), Julia Tilley (Gloria), Catherine Faruolo (Gabriella), Jada Sterling (Gretchen) and Esther Beatriz Guidet Garrido (Berthe).

Tickets for "Boeing, Boeing" are $15 ($7 for students at walk-up window with valid SUNY Oswego ID). Tickets are available at all SUNY Oswego box offices and online at tickets.oswego.edu or by calling 315-312-2141.

Parking is included in the ticket price and is available in the employee and commuter lots in front of Culkin Hall and behind Hart and Funnelle residence halls. People with disabilities needing assistance should call 315-312-2141 in advance.

For more information on the performing arts at SUNY Oswego, visit oswego.edu/arts.