BOOT CAMP COMEDY COMES TO THE G. B. STAGE

WITH NEIL SIMON'S "BILOXI BLUES"

G.B. Community Theatre will get off to a running start in the new year with "Biloxi Blues," the second part of playwright Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical trilogy. Opening night is Friday, January 7. Eight more show times follow -- Jan. 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 3 p.m.

Theater Coordinator Darrell Lowe is directing this production with Ray Beach designing the set. The two worked together three years ago to bring the first installment of the Simon series, "Brighton Beach Memoirs," to the Arts Center stage.

"Brighton Beach" portrayed Eugene Morris Jerome stumbling through adolescence. "Biloxi," blending hilarity and poignancy, a trademark of Simon's, thrusts Eugene into adulthood and deeper into audiences' hearts. It takes place in 1943.

Jerome, to be played by Perry High School senior Eric Grapatin, has been drafted and shipped off to boot camp in Mississippi. In dispatches from his journals he reports on the ragtag fellows that make up his platoon and introduces a near-psychotic sergeant named Toomey. Bob Kilpatrick of Madison plays the loud- talking, straight-shooting officer.

While sweating out basic training, Eugene is indoctrinated into manhood by a local prostitute, being played by Jocelyn Kilpatrick of Madison. He also meets the girl of his dreams, Daisy Hannigan, at a local dance. Devon Shriver of Bristolville plays Daisy, who connects to Eugene through a mutual interest in literature.

Eugene encounters ethnic and racial tension for the first time and has to work beside recruits who've expressed anti-Semitic feelings.

Jacob Lowe and Jeremiah Peckol, both of Ashtabula, play the wisecracking duo of Wykowski and Selridge. Chris King of Perry portrays the singing solder Carney, and Ryan Czerwonko of Geneva is Hennesey, who is full of secrets.

Toomey has a personal vendetta for Arnold Epstein, who is being played by Perry High School senior Adam Shimko. In a tension-filled scene, an intoxicated Toomey and Epstein have a showdown, but Epstein's quick thinking defuses the situation, winning the respect of his fellow soldiers.

"Biloxi Blues" is essentially a story of survival, from basic training, military chow, and sweltering Biloxi ("It's really hot, hot") to the crazed Sgt. Toomey and the pressures of becoming a "man." Audiences should enjoy the many one-liners and emotional situations encountered by Jerome.

Tickets are $12 for patrons, $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and $7 for students. Call the Arts Center at 964-3396 to make reservations.

"Biloxi Blues" is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. 45 West 25th Street, New York, NY 10010.

align="center">BILOXI BLUES CAST LIST

Director.....................................Darrell Lowe

Designer......................................Ray Beach

Stage Manager..............................Jenna Bice

Sergeant Toomey.................................................................................Bob Kilpatrick

Daisy Hannigan....................................................................................Devon Shriver

Rowena.................................................. .........................................Jocelyn Kilpatrick

Eugene Morris Jerome.........................................................................Eric Grapatin

Arnold Epstein......................................................................................Adam Shimko

Joseph Wykowski....................................................................................Jacob Lowe

Roy Selridge....................................................................................Jeremiah Peckol

Don Carney.................................................................................................Chris King

James Hennessey.........................................................................Ryan Czerwonko

JOIN US FOR DINNER!

The G.B. Community Theatre is once again offering dinners prior to select shows this season. These dinners are held on Saturdays, and begin one and a half hours before curtain--plenty of time for food, drink and conversation with good friends before the show. Dinners are served in the gallery and usually include salad or soup, appetizer, entree, vegetable, rolls with butter and dessert. Assorted beverages are also included.

Ticket prices include dinner and a theater ticket for that evening's performance. Patrons $24, Adults $21, Seniors $20 and Students/Children $17.

Complete menus which vary by show are usually available approximately two weeks prior to the dinner date. Reservations are required and should be made no later than noon on the Thursday prior to the event.

2005 Dinner Dates

"Biloxi Blues"--January 15 and 22

"Death of a Salesman"--February 19 and 26

"Picasso at the Lapin Agile"--April 9 and 16