Biloxi Blues
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This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2009) |
- For the article about the film based on this play, see Biloxi Blues (film).
| Biloxi Blues | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Neil Simon |
| Characters | Eugene Morris Jerome Rowena Arnold Epstein Daisy Hannigan Joseph Wykowski Don Carney Sgt. Merwin J. Toomey James Hennesey Roy Selridge |
| Date premiered | December 8, 1984 |
| Place premiered | Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles |
| Original language | English |
| Series | Eugene Trilogy: Brighton Beach Memoirs Biloxi Blues Broadway Bound |
| Subject | A Jewish boy from Brooklyn undergoes basic Army training in the Deep South |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Setting | Biloxi, Mississippi, 1945 |
| IBDB profile | |
Biloxi Blues is a semi-autobiographical play by Neil Simon. This play is the second chapter in what is known as his Eugene trilogy, following Brighton Beach Memoirs and preceding Broadway Bound.
Contents |
Plot overview [edit]
The story involves 20-year-old Eugene Morris Jerome from Brooklyn, who is drafted into the United States Army during World War II and is sent to Biloxi, Mississippi, for basic training. Eugene learns to cope with fellow soldiers from all walks of life, falls in love, and loses his virginity under less than ideal circumstances, all while having to navigate around the eccentricities of his drill instructor.
Production [edit]
Biloxi Blues had its world premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles, California, running from December 8, 1984 to February 2, 1985. [1]
Biloxi Blues opened on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre on March 28, 1985 and closed on June 28, 1986 after 524 performances and 12 previews. Directed by Gene Saks, the cast starred Matthew Broderick as Eugene. Scenic Design was by David Mitchell, costume design by Ann Roth, and lighting design by Tharon Musser. Emanuel Azenberg served as producer in association with Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre.[2][3]
Opening cast [edit]
Sources:Internet Broadway Database[2]; The New York Times[3]
- Matthew Broderick - Eugene
- Christopher Walken - Sgt. Merwin J. Toomey
- Penelope Ann Miller - Daisy Hannigan
- Randall Edwards - Rowena
- Barry Miller - Arnold Epstein
- Matt Mulhern - Joseph Wyzykowski
- Alan Ruck - Don Carney
- Geoffrey Sharp - James Hennesey
- Brian Tarantina - Roy Selridge
Notable replacements [edit]
Matthew Broderick was succeeded by Bruce Norris, Zach Galligan, William Ragsdale, and Jonathan Silverman. Jamey Sheridan replaced Bill Sadler as Sgt. Toomey.
Response [edit]
Frank Rich wrote: "Besides being extremely funny, Biloxi Blues is Mr. Simon's first serious attempt to examine his conscience as an artist and a Jew."[4]
Awards and nominations [edit]
Source: Tony Awards at BroadwayWorld[5]
- Tony Award for Best Play (winner)
- Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play (Barry Miller, winner)
- Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play (winner)
- Theatre World Award (Barry Miller, winner)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play (nominee)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Barry Miller, winner; Bill Sadler, nominee)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director of a Play (nominee)
Film adaptation [edit]
A 1988 film adaptation was directed by Mike Nichols. The cast starred Broderick as Eugene, with Christopher Walken (Sgt. Toomey), Matt Mulhern (Wykowski), Corey Parker (Epstein), Markus Flanagan (Selridge), Casey Siemaszko (Carney) and Penelope Ann Miller (Daisy).[6]
References [edit]
- ^ "Ahmanson Production History" centertheatregroup.org (webcache), accessed April 12, 2012
- ^ a b "'Biloxi Blues'" Internet Broadway Database, accessed April 12, 2012
- ^ a b Rich, Frank. "Stage: 'Biloxi Blues,' Simon's New Comedy" The New York Times, March 29, 1985
- ^ Rich, Frank. "Stage View; Once Again, Theater Was A Place For Wonder" The New York Times, December 29, 1985
- ^ "Tony Awards, 1985" broadwayworld.com, accessed April 12, 2012
- ^ Ebert, Roger. Biloxi Blues suntimes.com, March 25, 1988
External links [edit]
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