Boeing Boeing to close on 4 Jan

The 2008 Tony Award-Winning Best Play Revival, Boeing-Boeing will play its final performance on Broadway on 4 Jan 2009, when the show closes it will have played 17 previews and 280 regular performances.

Marc Camoletti's classic sixties comedy of errors, translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans and directed by Matthew Warchus, opened at the Longacre Theatre on 4 May 2008, following previews from 19 Apr, and was selling tickets through to 29 Mar 2009.

The critically acclaimed comedy, which recouped its entire $2.65 million investment this September, will launch a 45-week national tour this fall.

"Not only was Boeing-Boeing a critical and financial success, returning a significant profit to its investors, but it reintroduced a forgotten contemporary comedy, brilliantly re-imagined by Matthew Warchus, to a new generation of theatregoers," states Producer Sonia Friedman. "We chose to close the show when the current cast members' contracts all expired and to end on a high note rather than forge through the challenges of January and February in a weak economy. I am extremely proud of this production and join my producing partners in congratulating the immensely talented cast and outstanding creative team who brought it all to hysterical life."

The comedy opened to mostly good, but mixed reviews: "This production levitates low burlesque into high comedy." (New York Times); "A breath of fresh laughing gas." (New York Daily News); "As tedious as a flea circus." (New York Post) and "Everybody ... better tape their ribs to prevent fractures from laughing so furiously." (Star Ledger)

In Boeing-Boeing Bernard, a successful architect living in Paris, thought he could easily cope with his three air hostess fianees. It was all a question of timetables and a reliable, long-suffering housekeeper who reluctantly has the role of romantic air-traffic controller. When old school chum Robert arrives, Bernard relishes the chance to show his wide-eyed friend his first-class operation at work. Unfortunately, schedules change, flights are delayed and a new turbo-charged Boeing aircraft is introduced: chaos ensues in this whirl of mayhem and matchmaking.

Boeing-Boeing currently stars Christine Baranski (Bertha), 2008 Tony Award Winner Mark Rylance (Robert), Greg Germann (Bernard), Missi Pyle, (Gretchen), Paige Davis (Gloria) and Rebecca Gayheart (Gabriella).

Boeing Boeing, by Marc Camoletti and translated by Beverley Cross, played at London's Comedy Theatre from 3 Feb 2007 - 5 Jan 2008, to critical acclaim: �Sheer, silly, comic pleasure.� (Evening Standard); �Loving production, achieves a kind of delirium.� (Guardian) and �Refreshingly hilarious.� (Times).

The London production of Boeing-Boeing was honored with two 2008 Oliver Award nominations: Best Revival and Best Actor in a Play, Mark Rylance.

The London cast, also directed by Matthew Warchus, featured Mark Rylance, Roger Allam, Frances De La Tour, Daisy Beaumont, Michelle Gomez and Tamzin Outhwaite.

Boeing-Boeing features set and costume design by Rob Howell, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, original music by Claire Van Kampen and sound by Simon Baker.

The comedy is being produced on Broadway by Sonia Friedman Productions/Bob Boyett, Act Productions/Matthew Byam Shaw, Robert G. Bartner and The Weinstein Compa.

Boeing-Boeing had its world premiere in London in the 60's, where it played for over 2,000 performances. The show transferred to Broadway in 1965, but ran for only 23 performances.