On Theater: ‘Boeing-Boeing’ takes flight at GWC

Unlike the proverbial sailor with a girl in every port, New York architect Bernard has every girl — or at least three — in his port, alternately, in the farcical comedy “Boeing-Boeing,” now entering its second and final weekend at Golden West College.

Long unavailable for production, this 1960s theatrical bonbon by Marc Camoletti, adapted for U.S. audiences by Beverley Cross, is enjoying renewed vitality locally. It also was staged at the Newport Theatre Arts Center last season. And since its era of origin is all too apparent, the play depends on some creative performances and imaginative staging to achieve maximum liftoff.

This it receives at GWC from director Martie Ramm and an enthusiastic cast of young and energetic performers. The accelerated pace of the comedy tends to obscure its structural flaws as its actors push the throttle with somewhat stereotyped, yet very funny, interpretations.

Bernard, played with a smooth sense of control in his three-way love life by Matthew Villescas, lives a bachelor’s dream, entertaining air hostesses — a term falling somewhere between “stewardesses” and “flight attendants” — on a meticulously arranged schedule. Villescas projects a Playboy-esque character from the swinging ‘60s with verve and self-confidence, which we know is due to be challenged.

His old buddy Robert (Devon Suraco) appears unexpectedly and becomes quite impressed with Bernard’s adept scheduling talent. Suraco, a superior physical comic, becomes more airborne than any of the ladies, flying over chairs and sofa to head off any embarrassing moments.

The three sultry stewardi — Shelley Berman’s term from that era — are of American, Spanish and German heritage, and it’s the latter, a lustrous Nicole Keider, who scores the highest. Keider transforms her storming hun into a scrumptious honey as she discovers her character and Suraco’s common thread. She’s from Frankfurt, and he’s from Frankfort (Kentucky).

The Spanish senorita, Jocelyn Argueta, is the most dominant of the three, prowling the apartment in search of suspicious activity and pushing her characterization to the brink of stereotyping. Katie St. Onge’s American flygirl is a more pragmatic sort, coyly playing her own three-way romantic game.

Swiping scenes with alacrity is Jamie Hensgen as Bernard’s live-in maid. She is as enticing as any of the three visitors and shines in a part written for a more frumpy, middle-aged actress. Her sass and energy provide the jet fuel for this theatrical aircraft.

Ramm’s directorial overdrive ignites the Golden West production, particularly in the use of the fellows’ airborne activity. The bachelor apartment setting by Kristin Browning Campbell provides an attractive backdrop, and Rachael Lorenzetti’s ‘60s-era costumes are beautifully rendered.

Times have changed since “Boeing-Boeing” made its maiden flight, but comedy hasn’t, and this energetic production should rev your engines at Golden West College.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater.

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IF YOU GO

What: “Boeing-Boeing”

Where: Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach

When: Closing performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $14 to $16

Information: (714) 895-8150