FLYING AT CHENANGO RIVER THEATRE

Touted as greater Binghamton’s longest running Equity theatre, the Chenango River Theatre kicked off its 11th season with the world premiere production of Flying by Sheila Cowley. Drawn from oral histories and memoirs of women who served as WASPs (Women’s Air Service Pilots) in WWII, Flying is based on those women who piloted fighter planes and bombers in order to help train male pilots in the art of aerial dogfighting. Lead character Susan and her coworkers are pilots first, mechanics second, and of course, women - in what was very much a man’s world. With the war over, Susan’s back at home while the town awaits her hero husband’s return. As the town tells glory tales of Bob, Susan tries to put away her love of flying and keep the family airfield going. When Bob’s war-wounded gunner shows up, more complications ensue. An often funny, heartfelt, and historically significant new play that celebrates the quiet daily acts of heroism that never earn a medal. In 2015, Flying received developmental readings at the Chicago Dramatists and the Tristan Bates Theatre, London, and was a semi-finalist for the prestigious O’Neil Theatre Center.

Flying continues its run through June 19th at the Chenango River Theatre, 991 State Highway 12 in Greene. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday curtain is 7:30pm, Sunday matinee is 2pm. Seating runs from $22 to $25. Season tickets are also available. For more info visit chenangorivertheatre.org or call (607) 656-8499.