Malden resident to star in ‘Boeing, Boeing’

  Arlington Friends of the Drama (AFD) will be opening its doors again for the final show of the season, “Boeing, Boeing.” A French farce written by Marc Camoletti, it tells the story of Bernard, an American living in Paris, who is simultaneously engaged to three different airline hostesses. Because they are of different nationalities and fly three different airlines, Bernard has been able to juggle their schedules so that they never meet. But when Boeing brings in faster jets, he is bound to hit some turbulence in his previously perfect arrangement.

  Malden resident Jon Nuquist plays Robert, an old friend who arrives for a visit just as Bernard’s life is about to unravel. At first amazed by his host’s ability to juggle three women at once, he quickly finds he is not immune to their beautiful charms himself.

  “Boeing, Boeing is actually the only play I’ve ever seen on Broadway, with an all-star cast. I loved it and always hoped I’d get a chance to do the show someday,” said Nuquist. “Working with Paul Murphy [the director] has been great because he knows what he wants, but he’s very collaborative and is open to any ideas from the cast.”

  Nuquist said it has sometimes been hard to get Mark Rylance’s performance (from the Broadway show) out of his head to make the character his own.

  “I’ve been drawn to comedy ever since I first moved to Boston and did five farces in a row at Quincy Dinner Theater,” he said. “I’ve felt most comfortable with comedy, especially British humor.”

  This is not Nuquist’s first time at AFD Theatre. He was last seen as Vanya in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” as well as in “Table Manners” and “The Unexpected Guest.”

  “I am always impressed by the sets and everything done behind the scenes by the crew at AFD,” said Nuquist. “I hope people will come see the show to appreciate all their hard work as well as the comedy.”

  “Boeing, Boeing” opens on May 6 and runs through May 22. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at afdtheatre.org, via email at boxoffice@afdtheatre.org or by calling 781-646-5922. The theatre is wheelchair accessible through an outdoor elevator to the left of the main entrance, and assistive listening devices are available. All performances take place at AFD Theatre (22 Academy St. in Arlington). On-street parking is available. Proof of vaccination and facemasks continue to be required at this venue.