Welcome to Boeing Boeing!
I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be back in the Tampa Theatre for a mainstage in 2023. As the former sponsor of Troupe 4967, who produced comedy, drama and even Shakespeare in this beautiful venue, it is wonderful to bring East Ridge HS, who, until last year, had not had an active thespian troupe in nearly 20 years, to perform this hilarious classic comedy for you this evening.
Set in the early 1960's, Boeing Boeing is thoroughly grounded in the style and culture of a decade where the rules of society were changing as quickly as technology. Air travel at this time was much different from what we experience today. International travel was a luxury-- passengers dressed in their finest clothing to travel, seats were fewer and wider, and legroom was three to six inches more than it is today. Full meals were served on china with sterling flatwear and glass wine glasses. Alcohol was free, smoking was permitted, and no ID was necessary. The Boeng 707, built from 1958-1979, was the first commercially successful jet airliner, and rapidly became the most widely used jetliner of its time. These new jets were able to fly much higher, faster and further then previous aircraft, and for the first time in history, much of the world because accessible within a single day's travel.
During this time, air hostesses, or stewardesses, were usually under 30, single, slim, attractiive and always femaie-- a hiring practice that was then totally legal. Women still did not have many career options in the early 60's-- unmarried women were generally secretaries, nurses and teachers, so the chance to fly all over the world was a glamourous and attractive option. The uniforms were often designed by celebrated desginers, and these women would never be seen in public without their gloves, hat and bag. Hair was always styled properly and makeup was standardized as well-- some airlines had required shades of lipstick and nail polish. These women were the face of the company, and their appearance was a point of corporate pride. In addition to first aid and safety training, stewardesses were expected to speak at least two languages , and were trained in how to carry their coat properly, how to walk, how to stand, and how to handle and wear every part of their uniform. Step out of line or gain too much weight (every airline had a weigh in pre-flight) and you could be fired. Most women flew for less than 5 years; most quitting to get married-- a goal which is at the top of the list for the three women in Boeing Boeing.
The idea of an attractive young businessman in Paris, the city of love, is no accident either. "An American in Paris," starring Gene Kelly, was a huge hit in the 1950's, and no doubt the original audience for this play would have already connected the dots to understand that this was going to be a comedy about romance. The juxtapostion of the suave Bernard, and his slightly awkward friend Robert-- from Wisconsin, the state of cheese, adds to the comedy. Throw in a housekeeper who is becoming more and more frustrated with Bernard's shenanigans, and a beautiful apartment with oh so many doors and rooms, and voila-- you have a farce!
We hope that you have as much fun watching this show as we have had bringing it to life. Please sit back, relax, and take a little trip with us into the 60's. But buckle up-- there is going to be some wacky turbulance ahead!
Christa Whittaker, Director
