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Rating:
3 out of Fordyce (Very Good)
It was written in the Sixties, when flight attendants were called hostesses or stewardesses and were more the object of men’s roving eyes. Now playing at the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea is Boeing, Boeing, the sex farce that is still funny today, and in the case of this production, very well done. Director Nathan Mitchell remembered rule number one of door slamming, who’s going to walk in next comedies: TIMING. If the timing is off so is the show. Here the timing is right on and that makes the show.
We meet Jeff Thomakos as Bernard, the lothario who has three “hostesses” on his hook, and it works because the airline schedules keep them all on different routes on different days. Yes, you are getting ahead of me. Weather changes things and the fun starts. I loved Matthew David as the friend who drops by and gets in the middle of it. His expressions and acting ability alone are worth the price of admission. Also on my “love list” is Michelle Mountain as the wise-cracking maid. Our trio of flight attendants is made up of Stacie Hadgikosti, Charlyn Swarthout, and Rhiannon Ragland. All are wonderful and very provocative without acting dumb.
I must mention another “cast member”: the set. Designed by Bartley Bauer, this combination of doors, a hallway, and a pop-up surprise adds a lot to the show.
The cast and set will keep you laughing until the somewhat predictable ending. This was a great choice for a summer show.
The only flaw I noticed was a slipped line and an accent that disappeared, but those were not enough to take away from this fun show that gets a very good 3 out of Fordyce. This treat runs through the end of summer, so catch it before August 28.
A PS on this one: Our show was delayed Sunday afternoon by a tornado warning. The staff at PRTC made sure we were safe in the basement until it was time to start the show. They were also a lot of fun to be with and brought us all water. Thanks to them.
On Stage | tagged
Chelsea,
Detroit,
Purple Rose Theatre 



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