PLAY REVIEW: 'Boeing Boeing' is funny funny

Robert, played by Harry Bouvy, explains the Lufthansa bag and women’s clothing to Gloria, dressed in red for TWA, played by Amanda Ryan Paige in “Boeing Boeing,”  a play put on by Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Thursday, Aug. 16.

In case of emergency, the exits are on the either side and your seat cushion can be used as a flotation device.

And remember: When watching the new Mason Street Warehouse play “Boeing Boeing” at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, remain seated until the entire show is over because the plot twists and comedic turns will bounce you from laugh to laugh before landing.

The show, which opened Aug. 17, runs through Sept. 2. Times are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday and 2 p.m. on the final Sunday. Tickets range from $26 to $39.75.

For more information, visit sc4a.org.

Gretchen, dressed in yellow for Lufthansa, is played by Kayla Peabody.

The play about an architect juggling his three flight attendant fiancees in Paris in the 1960s flies at supersonic speed from the brink of chaos, through romantic turbulence to domestic bliss.

Bernard the architect, played by Sean Allan Krill, starts the day as a calm and calculating man who uses an airline timetable and the love of the number three — “Three is the dream,” he tells his old college friend Robert, played by Harry Bouvy, who is passing through Paris  — to balance relationships with flight attendants Gloria (dressed in red for TWA) played by Amanda Ryan Paige, Gabriella (dressed in blue for Alitalia) played by Kathryn Merry and Gretchen (dressed in yellow for Lufthansa) played by Kayla Peabody. The three-fiancee life has all the advantages of marriage without the hassle, he says — as long as the women never meet.

The trusted timetable breaks down, though, and all three women end up in Bernard’s apartment with his frustrated maid Berthe, played by Kate Young. A former flight attendant herself (from Air Scotland), Berthe spirals into frustration at balancing what food to serve each woman as they fly through the apartment.

The rainbow parade of stewardesses really takes off when Gretchen from Germany bursts on the scene and overwhelms the stage with her Teutonic traits. The dancing on the furniture signals the turbulence about to arrive.

Gloria from America turns on the jets when demonstrating the red-hot science of kissing to Wisconsin-born Robert, complete with sound effects, that boils love down to the only color missing from the stewardess stage — green.

Gabriella from Italy steadies the entire show in calming blue with her devotion to monogamy and love.

Bernard, played by Sean Allan Krill, starts to panic.

Krill does a great job playing a man who is descending into comic chaos — watch his face as the decor is constantly switched by a frantic Berthe to match the color of company. He is actually sweating when his world of women starts to unwind.

“I love to describe this show as ‘Frasier’ meets ‘Pan Am’ meets ‘Mad Men,’ ” Kurt Stamm, arts center artistic director and founder of Mason Street Warehouse, said in a press release previewing the show. “It’s one of the funniest plays I’ve seen in New York in the past 10 years, and we’re thrilled to present the West Michigan premier.”

“Boeing Boeing” is by Marc Camoletti; translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans; directed by Kathryn Markey; presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

More pictures

Gretchen, dressed in yellow for Lufthansa, introduces herself in “Boeing Boeing,” a play put on by Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Thursday, Aug. 16. Kayla Peabody plays the German love interest.

Robert, played by Harry Bouvy, left, and Bernard, played by Sean Allan Krill, try to keep a lid on the chaos in “Boeing Boeing,” a play put on by Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Thursday, Aug. 16.

Gloria, played by Amanda Ryan Paige, heats up the stage with Robert, played by Harry Bouvy, in “Boeing Boeing,” a play put on by Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Thursday, Aug. 16.

Bernard, played by Sean Allan Krill, and Robert, played by Harry Bouvy, discuss a crisis in “Boeing Boeing,” a play put on by Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Thursday, Aug. 16.

Gabriella, played by Kathryn Merry, and Gretchen, dressed in yellow, played by Kayla Peabody, are two of three fiancees of Bernard, played by Sean Allan Krill, in “Boeing Boeing,” a play put on by Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Thursday, Aug. 16.

The flight attendants in “Boeing Boeing,” a play put on by Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, are, from left,  Gabriella (dressed in blue for Alitalia) played by Kathryn Merry, Gretchen (dressed in yellow for Lufthansa) played by Kayla Peabody, and Gloria (dressed in red for TWA) played by Amanda Ryan Paige.

Bernard, right, played by Sean Allan Krill, explains to his friend Robert, played by Harry Bouvy, how he keeps his three fiancees from finding out about each other in “Boeing Boeing,” a play put on by Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Thursday, Aug. 16.

Gabriella (dressed in blue for Alitalia) played by Kathryn Merry, takes a seat in a Paris home in “Boeing Boeing,” a play put on by Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Thursday, Aug. 16.

Housekeeper Berthe, played by Kate Young, is exhausted by the goings-on in “Boeing Boeing,” a play put on by Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Thursday, Aug. 16.

Robert, played by Harry Bouvy, tries to keep a secret from Gabriella, played by Kathryn Merry, in “Boeing Boeing,” a play put on by Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Thursday, Aug. 16.

Bernard, played by Sean Allan Krill, realizes his plans are falling apart in “Boeing Boeing,” a play put on by Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Thursday, Aug. 16.

Councilman sees the light — is OK with 4-way stop

After three years and a busy weekend downtown, Saugatuck City Councilman Henry VanSingel is giving the accidental four-way traffic light at Butler and Water streets the green light.

“It works,” said the former stop light skeptic during Monday’s city council meeting.

The city’s only traffic light malfunctioned in August 2009, going from the green-yellow-red cycle to just blinking red in all four directions. Old age was to blame.

Three years ago, City Manager Kirk Harrier advocated for keeping it a four-way stop, saying pedestrians didn’t know when to cross with the solid colors and were still in the intersection when the light turned green. Traffic backed up quickly, he said.

“Traffic flows smoothly when it blinks,” he said three years ago.

VanSingel — a doubter all those years — now agrees.

He watched the traffic and pedestrians at the intersection during last weekend’s tourist crush and is now convinced the blinking-red light is the best way to go.

The lakeshore town had made a tradition of switching the light from blinking red (for the winter) to full-cycle each spring (for the summer crowds), holding its Changing of the Light ceremony.

The town crier would open the ceremony with a boisterous declaration and the top-hat crowned mayor then switched the light to its full tourist season colors.

The first person to drive through the reactivated light got a certificate noting his or her accomplishment.

Saugatuck reconsiders rail on Hoffman Street

People walk up the sidewalk along the First Congregational Church in Saugatuck.

Four months ago, Joy Muehlenbeck of Saugatuck approached the Saugatuck City Council to ask for a hand rail along about 220 feet of sidewalk on Hoffman Street.

The city balked at the idea when the prices came in as high $12,000-$25,000.

Muehlenbeck didn’t give up and was back before the city council last week with a lower estimate of $6,600. She got the estimate herself and based on a railing design at the Old School House History Center, 130 Center St.

Cars park along the slope to the Saugatuck Woman’s Club.

The city will get formal specifications from the company Muehlenbeck spoke with and get more details and costs.

“Thanks for dogging us on this,” said Councilman Barry Johnson.

“It’s a very difficult hill to go down,” she said. “At night, it’s particularly difficult.”

A railing would help keep the site accessible, especially in the winter. “It’s so, so important for people who are mobile and just need that security,” she added about a railing.

The sidewalk slopes from the First Congregational Church, 296 Hoffman St., to the Saugatuck Woman’s Club, 303 Butler St. There is a free parking lot at the top of the hill by the church.

The Woman’s Club is the site of many community events, such as the Chamber Music Festival in the summer and productions of “A Christmas Carol” in the winter.

City Manager Kirk Harrier originally suggested putting more handicap-accessible parking by the Woman’s Club so people wouldn’t have to walk from the church. People who are not handicapped, though, still use the sloped sidewalk, Muehlenbeck said.

A resident has requested a railing for the sidewalk that slopes from the First Congregational Church, 296 Hoffman St., to the Saugatuck Woman’s Club, 303 Butler St.

Farewell and huzzah!

Douglas Dutchers Vintage Base Ball Club Captain Matt “Moon Shot” Gritter, right, presents Dave “Dominie” VanDerWiele with a plaque of appreciation for his work with the club on Saturday, July 28, at Beery Field in Douglas. VanDerWiele is leaving his post as pastor at Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church for a new position in Indiana. In the background is Saugatuck City Councilman Henry VanSingel.

State Rep. Bob Genetski, R-Saugatuck, presents a proclamation.

The Douglas Dutchers Vintage Base Ball Club said farewell to one of its longtime players and supporters on Saturday, July 28., at Beery Field in Douglas.

Dave “Dominie” VanDerWiele was given a loud huzzah! and a plaque of appreciation for his work with the club. VanDerWiele is leaving his post as pastor at Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church for a new position in Indiana. Saturday was his last game.

State Rep. Bob Genetski, R-Saugatuck, also presented the team with a state proclamation for its 10 years of playing 1860s-style base ball.

The team plays at home at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, against the South Haven Bark Peelers. All games are free.

Dave “Dominie” VanDerWiele plays the National Anthem on his trumpet at the opening of the Douglas Dutchers Vintage Base Ball Club game against the House of David Echoes Base Ball Club on Saturday, July 28, at Beery Field in Douglas

'Our Sinatra' at 10 years old is still a classic

Tony DeSare, Laurie Wells and Adam James perform in "Our Sinatra." Photo contributed

Ten years ago, Tony DeSare, Adam James and Laurie Wells took the stage in the first production of the new Mason Street Warehouse. The show was “Our Sinatra,” and the dressing rooms, well, “I remember by the smell,” DeSare joked Thursday night to the pre-opening night crowd.

A lot has changed.

The trailers used for costume changes are gone. Mason Street Warehouse has merged with the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. The facility has matured into the premier lakeshore arts venue and the three performers have returned with a new take on the Old Blue Eyes favorite.

The powerful singing and piano performance brought a cascade of applause and the crowd to its feet for a stellar show that will make you laugh, smile and sing along even if you’re not fan of Frank Sinatra.

The show runs at the arts center, 400 Culver St., through Aug. 12. It opens to the public tonight.

Tickets are available at (269) 857-2399 or sc4a.org.

“It’s not the same show that is was 10 years ago,” said Kurt Stamm, SCA artistic director and founder of Mason Street Warehouse. Five new songs have been added while some have been removed.

This show ran in New York for four years, spawned three national tours and has played in more than 30 regional markets. Stamm has directed them all.

“It’s a show that means a lot to me,” he said.

That nurturing and care show on the Saugatuck stage.

The performance — about 2 hours with an intermission — is not a biography, though the cast peppers facts and anecdotes about Sinatra throughout the show. It’s a celebration of some of the greatest American music ever written and performed.

Wells has a powerful voice that surrounds the theater and a presence in 1940s and 1950s gowns that brightens the simple stage. She stars in the Broadway hit “Mamma Mia!”

James blows away the crowd with “Ol’ Man River,” a song Sinatra performed in the 1946 film “Till the Clouds Roll By.” You just have to hear it to believe it! He has a CD out and was chosen by Tina Sinatra to portray her father in “Sinatra Remembered.”

DeSare is a master of the piano that bursts out in “The Birth of the Blues.”  He performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops and opens for comedian Don Rickles.

The show moves quickly and doesn’t get wrapped up in the controversial aspects of Sinatra’s life — the performers do make a few jokes about his mob reputation and even laugh at his daughter’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” 1966 hit. The “Mother of Medleys” is a great broadbrush rush through Sinatra’s catalog.

Of course, no show is complete without a confetti-dropping version of “New York, New York.”

Many people don’t even realize they know songs made famous by Sinatra, such as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”  or “Something Stupid.”

If you’re not a Sinatra fan, don’t worry. If all you know about the American icon is the Phil Hartman skits from “Saturday Night Live” or the “Family Guy” takeoffs with Frank Sinatra Jr., that’s OK.

DeSare, James and Wells are fantastic performers who take the show from a simple tribute collection of songs to a unique showcase of their talents that are an honor to Sinatra.

Short and sweet: Saugatuck has new meeting record

Saugatuck City Hall.

The baton was passed. A new champion crowned. In short, it was time for a change.

Saugatuck’s King of the Short Meeting — a.k.a. Councilman Barry Johnson — graciously and quickly stepped aside for the new Queen of Conciseness Mayor Jane Verplank after a 16-minute meeting on Monday.

While mayor, Johnson jokingly boasted that he held the record for modern meeting brevity at about 20 minutes.

The good-natured competition did not detract from the issues at Monday’s meeting. The council paid the bills, approved the minutes, heard from Allegan County Commissioner Terry Burns, was updated on planning commission activities and work on a “McMansion” ordinance and discussed the financing of sewer and water improvements with the Kalamazoo Lake Sewer and Water Authority.

Johnson even tried tongue-in-cheek to extend the meeting by asking Verplank to read verbatim the minutes of tree board.

“Could we go through them line by line?” he asked with a smile.

She did not, but reminded people to water their trees, especially those in the city rights-of-way, due to the continuing drought conditions. Some trees might not weather the lack of rain and could be expensive to remove and replace.

There was another light-hearted first for the council as well on Monday: City Manager Kirk Harrier, known for his trademark dark suit, dark tie and white shirt ensemble, attended the meeting without the dark suit coat. His sleeves were even rolled up, a nod to the 90-degree heat outside and the frugal use of air conditioning in city hall.

The famously casual council members — many who wear flip flops, shorts and T-shirts to meetings — couldn’t help but acknowledge the unusual event, though, when Harrier suggested he go downstairs to get his coat, the council let his casual attire slide for the evening.

Music at the Fennville Farmers Market

Seth Bernard, May Erlewine and Mike Shimmin perform Friday night, July 20, at the Fennville Farmers Market.

Seth Bernard and May Erlewine, along with percussionist Mike Shimmin, performed Friday night, July 20, at the Fennville Farmers Market at the corner of Main Street and Maple Street. The market is 3-8 p.m. Fridays and features fruits, vegetables, arts and crafts.

Here are a few more pictures:

A couple holds hands during a song by Seth Bernard and May Erlewine, along with percussionist Mike Shimmin, at the Fennville Farmers Market on Friday, July 20.

Seth Bernard, May Erlewine and Mike Shimmin perform Friday night, July 20, at the Fennville Farmers Market.

The crowd gathers at the Fennville Farmers Market on Friday, July 20, to hear Seth Bernard, May Erlewine and Mike Shimmin perform.

May Erlewine sings to the crowd at the Fennville Farmers Market on Friday, July 20.

Dawn Soltysiak of Khnemu Studio on Fernwood Farm shares pottery techniques with Gracie Ramos, 8, at the Fennville Farmers Market on Friday, July 20. The market is 3-8 p.m. Fridays and features fruits, vegetables, arts and crafts.