“Boeing Boeing” begins as a bachelor’s biggest dream, but it quickly turns into a hysterical nightmare as the secrets of the bachelor’s polygamy are exposed.
Jaden Cloobeck, as Robert, serves as the right-hand man to the bachelor in international paradise. His high-anxiety movements and smooth-talking diction contrast into a well-blended performance. Several times throughout the play, he flails to the floor, propels himself across the stage, or simply uses his voice to distract others from the conflict of the play. Berthe, the French maid, played by Casey Healy, is the opposite of Cloobeck’s character. Her sarcastic demeanor is controlled and composed with the character’s annoyed facial reactions, and Healy’s consistent accent makes the humor easily understandable between the surplus of dialects in the show. But she’s not just a low presence; she dances under a strobe of lights, cleaning the home with swagger, adding both to her character as a maid and the comedy of the play.
Rose McCarver plays the abrasive, yet charming, German air hostess Gretchen. The last to be introduced to the story, she strikes the stage with her abrasive movements and deep, masculine voice, all while maintaining her womanly and romantic presence. She is both physical and vocal, sometimes sturdy and tall to assert her feelings, at other times dainty as she sits and turns away from the male she might love. Her dynamic character follows the mood and tone of the show, adding even more eccentricity and hilarity to its foundation.
The costumes for the female roles, designed by Elizabeth Haugan, are crucial for the presence of the three air hostesses. Gloria wears red to showcase her passion and Gabriella wears blue to represent her innocence, but it’s Gretchen’s yellow dress that heightens the energy, pride, and loudness of the character.
The hairstyles designed by Alyssa Chong, Valentina Martino, and Zoe Mellard are perfect for each, individual character. Gretchen’s hair is stiff and doesn’t move to bring focus to her lively eyes and vivacious smile, and Gloria’s hair requires the ability to be put up or let down. The costumes and hair combine to give each character a sensible look, and every decision made by these designers was precise and purposeful and demonstrated an understanding of the show’s style.
Together, St. Margaret’s ensemble cast and spectacular crew give life to the stage in “Boeing Boeing.”
Garrett Vallejo is a junior at Capistrano Valley High School.
Contact the writer: 714-796-2258 or varsityarts@ocregister.com
