Biloxi Blues

New Vision Theater at the Sunshine Brooks Theater in Oceanside opened Biloxi Blues. Part of a semi-autobiographical trilogy, which also included Brighton Beach Memoirs and Broadway Bound, Biloxi Blues covers the first eight weeks in boot camp circa 1943.

Director Jerry Pilato, along with producer Jerry Pilato, creates a realistic barracks with a series of move-in sets which include a train–car section, latrine area, a sleazy hotel bedroom and other minor areas. Yolanda Kalb's costuming ranges from the military garb to ladies' apparel, both for a sweet innocent look and brothel gaudy.

Setting the mood is a collection of black and white WWII news clips projected on a small screen beside the stage. They also mask some of the longer set changes along with music of the period. We feel much of the action through the commentary of Eugene (Desmond Hassing). As a storyteller/narrator Hassing is excellent; however, during some of the more emotional scenes, especially with Daisy (Amanda Lamson) and Rowena (Lisa Wismer), he seems to tell the story rather than live it. Rowena, a quickie weekend prostitute, is charming in her way with first–timer Eugene. Daisy becomes his first love and his first kiss. They certainly make a perfect couple.

Back at the barracks is one Sgt. Toomey (Sean Vernon). To those of us who have survived boot camp, Toomey is a perfect, stereotypical drill sergeant. Vernon made my skin crawl with 50-year-old memories. Accolades to him for being so accurate.

Simon populated the barracks with the usual guys. Epstein (Peter Schwartz) is a bit on the sensitive side and wants nothing to do with the military. Carney (Phillip Jerge) has aspirations to be a crooner. Alas, he goes flat. Wykowski (Aaron Derwin) is an irritant with his own insecurities. Each of the others, Selridge (Brad Steffens) and Hennessey (Edward Tincu), has vulnerabilities, which they try to hide. Just a group of young kids about to go to war. The group provide an accurate cross-section of a typical basic-training unit.

Biloxi Blues is worth checking out. You'll easily learn to have a true dislike for Sergeant Toomey as well as an understanding of the group of recruits. Adding the WWII news footage is a nice touch.