THEATER REVIEW: Biloxi Blues

Currently playing at Millbrook Playhouse is Neil Simon’s BILOXI BLUES. This autobiographical play captures the humor and drama of new recruits during World War ll at a camp in Biloxi, Mississippi. The interaction between six strangers who have to learn to work together as a team creates a delicate balance of humor and drama to challenge the director and cast.

Eugene, a thinly disguised Neil Simon, plans on being a writer some day. As he writes in his journal, he shares his observations with the audience. Brian Lose did a stalwart job of portraying the young, naive future playwright. Brian showed an insight into his bunkmates that was touching and at times humorous.

Much of the story depended on the actions of Arnold Epstein, the young Jewish scholar who is at odds with the military mentality. Jake Novak was perfect. Yes, I know that I said the same thing about this young actor after seeing him play Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, but it gives us an idea of the range of talent inside Jake.

The stand out performance of the evening had to be Gavin D’ Ulisse as Sgt. Mervin Tooney. His voice and presence dominated the stage each time he appeared. Not only did the recruits under his command hate him, so did the audience. His final scene had the audience in the palm of his hand, as well as on the edges of their seats. Speaking to Gavin after the show, I met a completely different person than I expected. I did not see the overbearing sergeant, but a quiet, young man. His role as mild mannered Uncle Henry in The Wizard of Oz must of been a “walk through”. Here is a talent to watch.

James Kern, Philip Calabro, Ian Fairlee, and Jake Evans rounded out the recruits. They deserve credit for how well each personality came across. James and Philip were new to me, but we have seen Ian and Jake in earlier shows. Again, I repeat, this is why I get season tickets to Millbrook. It is fun to watch the new talents, but to watch actors who can run a wide, and sometimes wild, range of parts is more than exciting. To quote one of his fellow actors, “ Jake is a powerhouse” I agree.

Jessica Brown and Karen Querns may  have had small parts as the only women in the show, but turned in excellent performances, Karen as the experienced prostitute guiding Eugene through his first experience  and Jessica as the sweet, young, love interest. I have followed Jessica’s show business career through her high school days and hope to continue to do so.

I do have two complaints about this season. The first is a small one. The small print in the program is very hard to read. More importantly, the Main Stage has too many bad seats this year. It seems as if the directors are more accustomed to proscenium and not to area staging. So many good scenes took place in front of the raised platform and could not be seen from the sides. This was a shame, especially for Little Shop of Horrors.

BILOXI BLUES will be on the Main Stage until August the 3rd. Church Basement Ladies opens August the 1st in the Cabaret. The scheduled run has sold out, but an encore production is planned, so call 570 748 8083 or check their website, www.MillbrookPlayhouse.org for ticket availability.