Biloxi Blues

 
Biloxi Blues is a theatrical play written by Neil Simon. The production is a semi autobiography and is part of the “Eugene Trilogy”. It is the second installment to “Brighton Beach Memoirs”, and has “Broadway Bound” as its follow up. The basic storyline, as described by the writer himself, is that of a young Jewish lad who is transferred from the streets of Brooklyn to the South in order to get army training. The play was first staged in December of 1984 at the “Ahmanson Theatre” in Los Angeles. Since then, it has had a string of both Broadway and West End revivals. As a comedy series, it has resonated well with audiences throughout the years. Those who have never seen the show before will find themselves in for a pleasant surprise should they find cheap Biloxi Blues tickets on time.
 
The second part to the three episode series starts off with the 20 year old lead character, Eugene Morris Jerome. The play is set at the time of World War II when boys of his age are required to serve in the army. He is thus deployed to Biloxi in Mississippi from his hometown of Brooklyn. There, he receives basic training in order that he may formally join the army when necessary. From then on out, the play blossoms into a coming of age story, following the character as he meets all sorts of unusual people, who come from very different backgrounds than his own. He learns to cope with them, makes friends with the other soldiers and finds his first love. Ever present in the storyline is his drill instructor who is always breathing down his neck. Eugene’s challenge thus becomes to go on all adventures without letting it be known to the officer.
 
Biloxi Blues premiered in California in 1984. Its first production ran for a good three months, throughout December until February. It was picked up to become a Broadway show by March of 1985. They made their New York debut at “Neil Simon Theatre” and went on performing nearly every night till June of the following year. This brought their total show count to an impressive 524, not including the 12 previews that they had staged beforehand. During the first production Gene Saks led the crew as the director, while Matthew Broderick took on the role of Eugene. Moreover, Ann Roth designed all the costumes and David Mitchell took over scenic design, with lighting by Tharon Musser. The “Centre Theater Group” and Emanuel Azenberg made the plays staging possible by becoming the producers.
 
The initial response to the play was largely favorable. The same year as its premiere, it was nominated for many Tony and Drama Desk Awards and took home most of the important ones. It won “Best Play” and “Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play” at the Tony Awards. Barry Miller won this honor at every theatre based functions that year. Furthermore, Simon was highly praised for creating something so personal. Frank Rich of the “New York Times” was especially appreciative of the writer exploring his roots—both as a Jew and as a creative person. The play was also noted for having tasteful humor that would keep the audience well entertained.
 
While Biloxi Blues talks of the character’s time in Mississippi, the prequel went into more depth about his youth in New York City. The third installment then was about the beginning of his actual career—that of a comedy writer. This was loosely based on all the important stages of Simon’s own life, starting from his hometown and ending with him becoming a successful Broadway playwright. In Biloxi Blues, he has aptly used his talent with situational comedy that is wrapped up effortlessly with a witty dialogue. The way he writes the rapid fire conversations make it seem like the characters are improvising rather than reciting rehearsed lines. One aspect that makes his plays so popular with the audiences is that he uses everyday issues and conflicts as the basis for his storylines. His plays are relatable—people can easily put themselves in the places of his characters and can empathize with their decisions. He also uses his writing talent to address serious issues, but cloaks them well with comedy so that his audience finds themselves laughing away the tense moments. The play is well constructed and thoroughly entertaining, and worth every penny spent on getting cheap Biloxi Blues tickets.