Biloxi Blues is a semi-autobiographical play by Neil Simon, later adapted into a film. The story begins with 18-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.
The play portrays the conflict of Sergeant Merwin J. Toomey and Arnold Epstein, one of many privates enlisted in the military stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, seen through the eyes of Eugene Jerome, one of the other soldiers. This play is the second chapter in what is known as his Eugene trilogy, following Brighton Beach Memoirs and preceding Broadway Bound.
Characters and Their Struggles
There he meets a diverse assortment of soldiers, including the gentle and intelligent Arnold Epstein, who is the play's central figure. The piece portrays Epstein's struggle for power with middle-aged, hard-drinking platoon leader Sergeant Merwin J. Toomey.
Key Characters:
- Eugene Morris Jerome: A young, idealistic Jewish teenager from Brooklyn, just out of high school, who dreams of being a writer rather than a soldier. Much of the movie is seen through his eyes as we see him come of age in many different ways.
- Sergeant Merwin J. Toomey: A hardened platoon sergeant who drives his platoon relentlessly.
- Arnold Epstein: The gentle and intelligent private enlisted in the military stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, who challenges military authority from Day 1.
- Roy Selridge: One of the privates stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi.
- Joseph Wykowski: One of the privates stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi.
- Don Carney: One of the privates stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi.
“Man, it’s hot. It’s like Africa hot. Tarzan couldn't take this kind of heat,” complains army private Eugene Morris Jerome about marching in the heat and humidity of the Biloxi swamps.
“What would you do if the entire Japanese army were behind you?” replies hardened platoon sergeant Merwin Toomey.
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“Surrender and get some sleep,” deadpans Jerome.
It is exchanges with one-liners like these that pepper the conversations during the Tony Award-winning play “Biloxi Blues,” currently running at The Monomoy Theatre in Chatham.
Biloxi Blues Official Trailer #1 - Christopher Walken Movie (1988) HD
Broadway and Film Adaptations
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 Barry Miller as Arnold and Matthew Broderick as Eugene. Scenic Design was by David Mitchell, costume design by Ann Roth, and lighting design by Tharon Musser.
Matthew Broderick was succeeded by Bruce Norris, Zach Galligan, William Ragsdale, and Jonathan Silverman. Jamey Sheridan replaced William Sadler as Sgt.
A 1988 film adaptation was directed by Mike Nichols. The cast features Broderick, Miller, and Mulhern reprising their Broadway roles, with Christopher Walken (Sgt. Toomey).
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Matthew Broderick, known for his Tony-winning performance in "Brighton Beach Memoirs," also starred in the Broadway production of "Biloxi Blues," further solidifying his reputation as a versatile stage actor.
Critical Reception
Frank Rich wrote: "Besides being extremely funny, Biloxi Blues is Mr.
There are several fine performances in this movie. Matthew Broderick is excellent (he seems to have a knack for military roles, as in both this and "Glory") as Private Eugene Jerome, a young, idealistic Jewish teenager, just out of high school, who dreams of being a writer rather than a soldier. Much of the movie is seen through his eyes as we see him come of age in many different ways.
Also offering a strong performance is Christopher Walken as the slightly off-balance Sargeant Toomey, who drives his platoon relentlessly.
Corey Parker put on a strong performance in a supporting role as Private Albert Epstein, who challenges military authority from Day 1.
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