This month, South Park Theatre presents the farce Boeing Boeing at its intimate and inviting South Hills theater. The performance is delightful; the experience of visiting the theater is even better.

Flying the Friendly Skies to the Swinging Sixties in South Park Theatre’s Production of Boeing Boeing

Boeing Boeing, a 1960 comedy originally by French playwright Marc Camoletti, has been adapted into dozens of languages and performed tens of thousands of times, including runs and revivals on both Broadway and the West End and film versions in English, Hindi, Telugu and more. It’s a modern — or at least mid-century modern — update on the British farces from earlier in the 20th century; think romantic schemes, people in the wrong bedrooms and side characters grabbing glasses of whiskey for comfort.

In Boeing Boeing, though, all the bedrooms are correct … depending on what day of the week it is. Bernard (Johnny Terreri) is an American playboy with a posh Parisian apartment and a meticulously organized love life. He’s engaged to three flight attendants — Gretchen (the uproarious Jess Uhler), Gabriella (the commanding Amanda Weber) and Gloria (the unflappable Carina Iannarelli) — and manages to keep them in blissful ignorance of one another due to the differing schedules of their respective airlines.

When an old school chum (Brent Feitl, who exhibits impressive vocal acrobatics) shows up, Bernard is eager to show off his practiced polygamy (with the considerable aid of his righteously exasperated maid, played by Stacey Rosleck). Unfortunately, Gloria’s flight is cancelled — and both Gretchen and Gabriella are upgraded to faster planes with dramatically changed routes. Thus begins a histrionic and charming series of near misses and absurd developments, complete with a deeply unexpected conclusion.

South Park Theatre Enhances the Charm and Whimsy

Director Jeanie Cygrymus keeps Boeing Boeing fresh and brisk, aided by a fully committed cast; the trio of fiancées bring considerable energy and power to the proceedings. It’s a consistently engaging and often hilarious production — the exact sort of light and lively entertainment that makes for a rejuvenating night at the theater.

The performance is aided considerably by South Park Theatre. Loyal audiences have, of course, known about the organization’s charms for decades; if you’re visiting for the first time, though, it’s like discovering a magical secret. The theater sits in the heart of sprawling South Park — the county park itself — at the well-traveled intersection of Brownsville Road and Corrigan Drive. Yet you’d be forgiven for not having noticed it; it seems to grow out of the landscape itself, a humble and natural structure that houses a surprising, cozy performance space.

You’ll arrive and walk through the theater’s beautifully maintained garden, mingle with a happy (and packed) crowd then spend the next few hours laughing. When the show ends, you’ll be surrounded by a gorgeous county park. It’d be an idyllic late summer evening no matter what was on the stage; the fine performance is a very welcome bonus.

Know Before You Go

Several performances of Boeing Boeing have already sold out; grab your tickets now. They’re available online via South Park Theatre’s website. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Parking is available on-site, but is somewhat spread out; arrive early for a nearby spot. Showing up well in advance of showtime is a good idea anyway; you can grab a soft drink or glass of house wine from the small (concession stand) and linger in the garden for a bit before the show begins.

The show runs about 2 hours and 15 minutes total, including one 15-minute intermission.

Keep in mind that speed limits in Allegheny County parks are strictly enforced — and almost always 25 miles per hour. Don’t sully your evening with a speeding ticket.

While You’re in the South Hills

Looking for a pint or a plate before the show? Spoonwood Brewing Co. is just about a 10-minute drive from the theater. Local favorite Chinese joint Rice Inn isn’t far, either. If you don’t mind a bit of a longer drive between your meal and your seat, it’s about 20 minutes to the heart of Mt. Lebanon; try Iovino’s Neighborhood Brasserie or F&F Pizzeria.

If you’d like a post-show drink — and you’re headed North — stop at the Saloon of Mt. Lebanon, a longtime community staple that’s open until at least 12:30 a.m. every night of the week.

Whenever you go, leave time to stroll or drive through South Park itself. And don’t forget: There are bison.

Looking for more to do around Pittsburgh? Check out our guide for endless things to do around the city.

Story by Sean Collier
Photos by Caleb Fischer

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