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Biloxi Blues: FSC Presents Tribute to Unsung Heroes

Oct 28, 2019
Sara Ramick '20
by Sara Ramick '20
INTERN, OFFICE OF PR & MARKETING

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the events preceding the end of World War II, the Florida Southern College Department of Theatre and Dance is presenting a series of works set in the WWII era throughout their 2019-2020 season. The first performance on the schedule was a presentation of American playwright Neil Simon’s Tony Award-winning Biloxi Blues.

Set in 1943 at the height of the U.S. military draft, Biloxi Blues follows a group of five young soldiers from the Northeast as they travel from their homes — most for the first time — to Biloxi, Miss., to begin U.S. Army basic training.

Aspiring author and draftee Eugene Morris Jerome (Liam Fisher ’22) narrates their journey as he records his thoughts and observations regarding his fellow soldiers and their shared experiences in his memoirs. Upon their arrival in Biloxi, the recruits meet their commanding officer, Sgt. Toomey (Paul Kenzie ’20), whose intense disposition and harsh punishment tactics test both their stamina and integrity throughout the duration of their time in Biloxi.

Jerome and his fellow soldiers face difficult lessons about life, love, and the resiliency of the human spirit as they await their assignments for the war. Through interactions with a prostitute, Rowena (Abbi Bryson ’20), and Daisy, a local Southern belle (Bella Lamb ’23), Jerome discovers that the pursuit of one’s aspirations is equally as important as the relationships that are established along the way. 
 

     “You’re always standing around watching what’s happening, scribbling in your
     book what other people do. You have to get in the middle of it. You have to
     take sides. Make a contribution to the fight. Any fight. The one you believe in.”

— Arnold Epstein (Kai Anderson ’22)


The Department of Theatre and Dance seeks to pay tribute to those who served in WWII throughout the duration of the season. In harmony with their efforts, veterans and active military personnel will receive free admission to all theatrical productions this season. Upcoming performances will include Copenhagen, The Sound of Music, and Cabaret, concluding with a production of The Diary of Anne Frank in April.

For more information or to reserve tickets for an upcoming show, please call 863-680-4296, or visit www.flsouthern.edu/ffa.