It must be summer in the Adirondacks because everywhere I turn there is another arts event going on. So much is packed into our summers that it’s impossible to get to everything.

My passion is of course, is theatre, so it’s hard to pass up an opportunity to not only see a great play but get to listen to the actors talk about the play and their roles afterwards.

That’s why today I am back at The Depot Theatre in Westport, this time to see their production of “Boeing Boeing” which is described as a farce. And it is just that complete with door opening and closing sequences that characterize so many farces.

The play was written in the sixties and takes place in Paris. It seems Bernard has mastered the art of polygamy—he is engaged to three flight hostesses who work for three different airlines whose schedules prohibit them from ever meeting—or so he thinks.

The play is zany and fun, skillfully directed by John Christopher Jones (Depot Artistic Director Shami McCormick’s brother).

Afterwards, the actors and director sit on the stage and share some of their feelings about the play, the process, and this production.  The director points out that he notices laughs in new places since the play opened on Friday night. Actor Adam Petherbridge, who plays Robert, says, “We talk about some of the it (referring to the physical comedy) but some of it just happens onstage.”

When asked about the difficulty of working in a cast with different accents prevalent, Marshall York who plays Bernard and an American quips, “I had a difficult time with my accent,” which shows us how the humor continues offstage as well. These actors not only build a rapport and trust onstage but they live in the same housing while they are in Westport so there is a closeness and bond that only adds to their ensemble work onstage.

It is a huge endeavor to rehearse such a comedic tour de force in just nine days. Some of the actors had time to prepare before they arrived in the Adirondacks. But Adam Petherbridge only accepted the part on July 4 with rehearsals beginning on July 8, not allowing him much time for prep work. That certainly does not come through in this production. Everyone holds their weight and creates well-rounded characters that keep the audience laughing throughout.  

Shami McCormick lauds director Chris Jones as someone who “sees all the characters as real people and we see that in this production.”

With all there is to do and see at this time of year in the Lake Champlain region, you just may want to add Boeing-Boeing to the list, especially if you feel like letting loose with a good laugh. The show runs until August 4.

And while you’re there make sure to check out the Sap Bucket art exhibit on display in The Depot lobby.