“Bonnie’s Last Flight” Is Fraught With Hilarity

By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano

Get your boarding passes to enter a magnificent airplane for “Bonnie’s Last Flight” – Regina Garcia’s mockup of a Boeing 737 with “Smelta Airlines” transformers the small Rivendell space admirably; the turbulence sounds by designer Satya Chávez, and blackouts as a part of Garrett Bell’s lighting design add well to the atmosphere.

Playwright Eliza Bent penned a familiar experience of flying, with a peek in the personal lives of the crew. Jan (Rebecca Spence) is emotionally arresting as the flight attendant who yearns to be a writer, and is on her last flight before retirement so she can pursue her dream of being an author. Her co-worker and long time friend is Grieg, played with commanding presence in humor and drama by Paul Oakley Stovall.

A bomb threat, peanut allergy – emotions run high as secrets and surprises are revealed in this fast-paced absurd plot, with clumsy junior flight attendant LeeAnne, convincingly portrayed by Jessica Ervin, and a depressed alcohol swigging pilot, credibly enacted by Eric Slater. Glenn Obrero’s well rendered co-pilot to the rescue! And apparently once again demise greatly exaggerated, philosopher wit Mark Twain, superbly characterized by LaKecia Harris, is along for the ride. Lastly, there’s Jan’s constant canine companion “Bonnie”, who is taking her final flight to eternity in the clouds…

Director Devon de Mayo is an impeccable comedic orchestrator; do not miss this entertaining trip. The run will leave the gate for the last time October 25th, though, so book your ticket at www.rivendelltheatre.org. 

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