Cathy and I were able to see 3 shows last week; August: Osage County, Boeing-Boeing, and Alfred Hitchcocks: The 38 Steps. Its actually kind of funny because we generally go for musicals but decided it would be nice to see a play for a change. Instead we saw three!

August: Osage County
After cleaning house at the Tony Awards we were both excited to see this show. We went in knowing that it was about a disfunctional mid-western family but had no idea what the story was. The show was actually a bit of a tragedy but managed to keep the audience laughing from beginning until end. Well, Not really the END, but laughing to the last 20 minutes anyways. Without giving away too much info, the play is about an Alcoholic father and Drug abusing mother who have 3 children together. Two of the three children moved away and have had limited contact with their respective family members. The play covers all topics from alcoholism through incest, all very serious issues. Unfortunately there are no happy endings in this one… but don’t let that discourage you from seeing it. Its thoroughly entertaining, and the 3 hours flew by. Both Cathy and I commented that the show felt like it was half the length it actually was. There is no doubt as to why this show won so many awards. As the saying goes; I laughed, I cried, well … you get it. This show is a must see.

Boeing-Boeing
A light hearted comedy from beginning to end, Boeing-Boeing has a stellar cast and a fun theme. Its about a man, played by Brad Whitford from The West Wing, who lives in Paris and dates stewardess’. He manages 3 relationships by dating (or getting engaged to) girls from different airlines with different routes. His Bible is the airline time table. Unfortunately the entire system falls apart when the airlines upgrade to the Super Boeing airplane which is much faster than previous aircraft’s. The three stewardess’ include an American played by Kathryn Hahn, an Italian played by gina Gershon, and a german played by Mary McCormick. In my opinion Mary McCormick stole the show. Her over the top depiction of a German was absolutely hilarious. Predictable scenarios managed to keep the audience engaged and the on-stage antics are very funny. Anyone in the mood for a beginning to end comedy should check out Boeing-Boeing. Check online for discount tickets.

Alfred Hitchcock’s: The 39 Steps
This show can only be described as clever and whitty. Being a 4 person cast each cast member plays several roles throughout the show. The character changes are the single funniest element. Sometimes switching from role to role within seconds, right on stage, each transition is done with a clever twist. There are several references to other Hitchcockworks which are all included tastefully. There isnt much substance to the story, rather the show is created through the limited cast and clever staging. Clocking in at just under 2 hours in length this show is good for those in the mood for something a little shorter than normal.