Biloxi Blues
at Langley High School

Reviewed on November 30, 2018

Kristen Waagner
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

What would you do if you had one week to live? Maybe, like Private Carney, you would want to headline at Radio City Music Hall to an audience of screaming fans. Maybe, like Private Hennessy, you would just want to spend it with your family. Or maybe, just maybe, you would want to see Sgt. Merwin J. Toomey do two hundred push-ups for once! These are the fantasies of the C Company of Langley High School's "Biloxi Blues," an outstanding production marked by military precision, hilarious comedy, and an honest, heartwarming narrative.

The second chapter of the "Eugene Trilogy," "Biloxi Blues" is a semi-autobiographical account of the great Neil Simon's experience in basic training while stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi. The play premiered on Broadway in 1985, going on to win the Tony Award for Best Play. When he arrives in Biloxi, Private Eugene Morris Jerome has his mind on three things: staying alive, becoming a writer, and losing his virginity. As he navigates the difficult transition into a military lifestyle, Eugene learns about love, guilt, honor, and courage from the unconventional family of C Company.

In a star turn as Eugene, the versatile Cole Sitilides commented on the proceedings in Biloxi with humorous, self-aware asides, deftly tempering clever, bawdy jokes with touching vulnerability and openness. Sitilides was relatable, witty, and charming while developing nuanced, varied relationships with his fellow soldiers, his superior officer, and his first love, Daisy (Hannah Cameron-Cadenazzi.) Armed with a remarkably consistent Brooklyn accent, Sitilides's exploration of Eugene's complex Jewish identity won the hearts of every audience member.

A foil to Eugene's rationality and compassion, Mark Bosset, as Sgt. Merwin J. Toomey, was a paragon of unwavering discipline and military excellence. A drill sergeant through and through, Bosset's belligerent demeanor and overbearing presence hid a genuine love for his job and a concern for his underlings, revealed in a his climactically-wrought final scene. The rest of C Company excelled as a uniform, yet distinctive ensemble, from the shy, intellectual Arnold Epstein (Josh Guinn), who challenged Toomey's dictatorial style, to the brutish bully Wykowski (Chris Morgan.) The indecisive Don Carney was played by Samuel Buroker, whose charming singing voice set the mood for many scenes.

Clean and effective technical elements placed "Biloxi Blues" at a near-professional level. With a period-accurate army color scheme of olive green and beige, costumes for the platoon were changed onstage, with varied pieces that fit together into a cohesive stage picture. The minimalist, yet realistic set was perfectly utilized by the actors, with no detail going unnoticed. In an extremely successful publicity stunt, the cast shaved their heads on camera for military uniformity, attesting to the production's commitment to realism.

The realities of war are unfathomable for most. The only way to deal with tragedy is to find solace in those around you. Six men entered basic training with their own dreams and prejudices, but left as a family, changed forever by the weeks they spent with the Biloxi blues.

Sophie Camus
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

"Once you compromise your thoughts, you're a candidate for mediocrity." In a world at war, pliant soldiers are needed; the United States needs young men to compromise their thoughts, comforts and dreams, all for the sake of the greater good. Where does that transition into compromise occur? Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1943, the setting for Langley High School's powerful rendition of Biloxi Blues.

Biloxi is home of the training facility which will metamorphose six contrasting adolescents into the heroes the nation requires. Of these six men, the plot focuses on the witty Eugene Morris Jerome, an aspiring writer and Jewish Brooklynite, who cleverly retells the antics of his platoon through his memoirs. This mirrors the show's origin as a semi-autobiographical work from Neil Simon, who had a similar wartime experience. The piece was first debuted in 1984, to critical acclaim memorialized by a Tony Award for Best Play, among other awards.

Biloxi Blues presents a unique challenge for its young actors. It requires an incredibly sophisticated sense of timing, accents and unparalleled maturity, as it presents difficult themes of war, sexuality, dignity and race. A true master of these skills was Cole Sitilides, who played Eugene Jerome impeccably. His triumphant high points included his impenetrable Brooklyn-infused affectation and meticulously timed delivery. He was able to break the fourth wall with incomparable fluidity, and similarly flit between charming comedic beats and burdensome drama. Mark Bosset, as the volatile and unhinged Sgt. Toomey, embodied Toomey's rigid physicality, marching precisely, with heels up. Wonderfully employed were his thick southern accent and unsettling and loud delivery.

The bumbling band of the six platoon members captivated with their hysterical individualism and endearing group chemistry. Peter Fox, as James Hennesey served nobly as a moral mediator with endearing vulnerability, at one memorable point showing his electrified shock in a major twist in the play. Josh Guinn as Arnold Epstein gave this rendition of Biloxi heart wrenching intrigue. He produced a fascinating dichotomy of intellectual dignity and timidity, allowing for a strong carrying of the show's ideological backbone, in which Epstein fights for his dignity, despite painful opposition.

The enveloping dazzle of Langley's Biloxi Blues came thanks to their technical department. Each facet held a painstaking attention to detail, keeping in mind the WWII era. Noteworthy were the props, which included a calendar flaunting a swimsuit-clad Betty Grable, precisely marked up to the mentioned date in the script. Sets were phenomenally crafted and imaginative. The bunk room was industrial yet interactive. Innovative and noteworthy were the rolling sets of a subway-tiled triple sink, for shaving, and a train car, complete with a top bunk. These set pieces were soundlessly manipulated with gorgeous fluidity by the Run Crew. Costuming incorporated sets of army-issued outfits, complete with accurately rubber-soled shoes, which were customized by players to embody individual character progressions. Makeup was tastefully sparse and a remarkable detail was Sgt. Toomey's scar on the side of his head, evidencing his often-mentioned brain surgery.

Neil Simon's Biloxi Blues is a gem, and to uphold the standard of his creation was a challenge Langley High School rose to meet. They communicated the shock, loss, and bittersweet nostalgia of war. Otherwise nameless soldiers were given faces, families, and vivid dreams. Langley succeeded in celebrating these young men for the human souls they were, and not the pawns many wanted them to be.

Syd Kirk
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Courage, determination, and endurance define a soldier, but it is the moments of vulnerability that show who they truly are. Langley High School balanced this struggle between perception and reality in their spectacular production of "Biloxi Blues".

"Biloxi Blues" is a semi-autobiographical play written by Neil Simon as the second chapter in his Eugene trilogy. The show made its Broadway debut in 1985 and won three Tony Awards, leading to a film adaptation in 1988 starring original Broadway cast member Matthew Broderick was made i8. The play focuses on Eugene Morris Jerome, a Jewish 18-year-old from Brooklyn drafted by the United States army during World War II. Eugene's memoirs record his time at a training camp in Biloxi, Mississippi with five other recruits and one menacing sergeant as they explore the complexities of discipline, power, and camaraderie.

Eugene was portrayed by Cole Sitilides, whose consistent accent and humorous narration provided for a memorable performance. Sitilides handled the intense subject matter with maturity as he honestly and realistically depicted the struggles of a fresh-faced army recruit. The demanding role called for a wide range of emotions, and Sitilides never failed to deliver. Mark Bosset fit the role of drill sergeant perfectly in his portrayal of Sgt. Toomey. Bosset's commitment to his character was evident by his period-accurate military behavior. His "in your face" attitude and callous manners effectively conveyed Toomey's abrasive nature.

The true power of Biloxi Blues was found in its immensely talented ensemble. Each platoon member distinguished himself within the group and incorporated stereotypes, without overplaying it. Arnold Epstein (Josh Guinn) the brains, Wykowski (Chris Morgan) the brute, Carney (Samuel Buroker) the dreamer, Selridge (Anderson Hauptli) the lustful, and Hennesey (Peter Fox) the reserved all created enduring personas. The boys' expressive facials and body language expertly portrayed the soldiers' inner thoughts of fear, anger, and anxiety. The camaraderie between the cadets was apparent through the characters' brotherly affection, creating a strong dynamic that moved naturally and with pace. The ensemble showed off their tight-knit bonds through their heartfelt performance, indeed making them "the big six".

Numerous impressive technical elements complemented the show's minimalistic style and came together to create the 1940s wartime atmosphere. Props attention to detail was present throughout the show, notably during a cafeteria scene with a comical bit about disgusting military slop. The set also incorporated many period details such as USO posters and a pin-up calendar. Costuming clearly did their research on 1940s military uniforms by giving the soldiers rubber-soled shoes and authentic military ribbons. The marketing and publicity team did a commendable job spreading the word about the show. Saxon Stage's active Instagram posted frequently to publicize the show, and the team even set up a stunt where all the boys got buzz cuts their heads in public.

Langley High School's "5 star" production of "Biloxi Blues" left the audience with an understanding about what it's really like to be an insecure soldier trying to find their way.

Brian Wolf
Lake Braddock Secondary
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Set in the midst of World War 2 era America, Biloxi Blues follows the experiences of Eugene Morris Jerome and his platoon going through military training in Biloxi, Mississippi. With unparalleled comedic timing, combined with smooth transitions to solemn moments, Langley's Biloxi Blues astoundingly expresses the hopes, dreams, and fears of the common soldier in the army.

Through a combination of Props, Lighting, and Set, designers Maddy Rubin, Ellie Smedberg and Jacqueline Delmar, and Ren Wallace (respectively) re-created the 1940's. Through small details, like era card boxes and fake cigarettes that puffed out smoke, Rubin help to bring the audience back to the 40's. With some amazing transitions to bring focus to different areas of the stage, lighting successfully helped the actors tell the story. Using a sunset and sunrise backdrop to portray different times of day within the play, Smedberg and Delmar made the scenes realistic and vivid. Wallace created a large permanent set to portray the barracks that most of the scenes in the play were set in. Lockers, bunk beds, and fake windows created the feeling of being in the barracks with the actors.

Sgt. Merwin J. Toomey (Mark Bosset), a loud, unpredictable, and potentially deranged drill sergeant showed the platoon exactly how relentless the army was. Bosset had a phenomenal stage presence that highlighted every aspect of a drill sergeant: loud and unrelenting. He consistently portrayed these emotions until his last scene, where he made a dramatic switch to drunk and broken. Despite the drastic change in emotions, Bosset never hesitated and flawlessly transitioned between his character's mindsets.

Eugene Morris Jerome (Cole Sitilides), the main protagonist in Biloxi Blues, is looking to find love before going to the war and living long enough to enjoy it. Sitilides expresses the complexity of his character with stunning aptitude. Throughout every comedic scene he had, his timing to allow the audience to hear his lines and deliver the punchline for maximum humor was perfect, and more impressively he was able to portray a noticeable difference when switching between comedic scenes in the play and solemn or sad moments.

Sophie Stapleton
Loudoun Valley High School
Submitted for publication to Falls Church News Press

Beige barracks silhouetted by the soft glow of the sun at dawn. Immature sex jokes and hip thrusts galore. Guttural chants, back-breaking push ups, and perhaps a little bit of love were seamlessly woven together by the cast and crew of Biloxi Blues at Langley High School.

Written by Neil Simon, Biloxi Blues chronicles the journey of six ragtag Army privates entering into boot camp. It is the middle child of three plays, the prequel being Brighton Beach Memoirs, and the sequel, Broadway Bound. The semi-autobiographical play has been recognized with copious awards, including a Theatre World Award, three Drama Desk Awards, and three Tony Awards, one of which was for Best Play.

Though the story did not completely revolve around him, Eugene Morris Jerome (Cole Sitilides) is the center of most of the action throughout both acts of the play. Sitilides gave a more than impressive performance, maintaining vocal control, executing hilarious jokes with uncanny comedic timing, and softening just the right amount in more somber situations. With a consistent New York accent and seamless transitions between dialogue and narration, Sitilides showed skill beyond his years. His connection with Daisy Hannigan (Hannah Cameron-Cadenazzi) made the audience laugh and fall in love, though it ended in intense heartbreak. Only through complete focus and commitment onstage did the pair execute such beautiful moments.

Mark Bosset as Sergeant Merwin J. Toomey was a perfect fit for the rugged, brusque drill sergeant. His constant commitment and total embodiment of an authoritative Army figure created a strong, believable character. Walking heel to toe, barking orders right in the face of his cast mates, and eventually his softened spirit enveloped the audience in the story. To perfectly foil Bosset was Josh Guinn as Arnold Epstein. Quirky mannerisms defined his character: a lisp, awkward, shuffling movements, and a smaller stature, just to name a few. Together, Bosset and Guinn created compelling moments and furthered the plot in a powerful way.

"The Big Six" consisted of Private Jerome (Cole Sitilides), Private Carney (Samuel Buroker), Private Selridge (Anderson Hauptli), Private Hennesey (Peter Fox), Private Epstein (Josh Guinn), and Private Wykowski (Chris Morgan). This genius concoction of boys created intriguing camaraderie and dynamic relationships. Together, the atmosphere became full of testosterone, sex jokes, and cigarette smoke, but the audience could not have loved it more. Laughter ensued and some tears were shed; complete and total commitment to character and focus onstage from all six of the boys made for a show like no other.

As incredible as the acting was, the tech elements of the show served as a strong foundation for the actors to work off of. Set pieces such as revolving walls painted with pink wallpaper, neutral-toned bunk beds, Army green lockers, and a roll-on sink (with REAL tiles!) aided to the aesthetic of the show while providing a realistic idea of the settings. The stunning design, as well as smooth transitions all throughout, created impeccable images for our eyes to feast on.

A broad wash of soft yellow lights fully lit the cast. At some points, isolation lighting allowed for set transitions to take place while the audience's attention was still on the action; such displays prevented split focus. Additionally, fading lights on the cyc brilliantly aided in creating the atmosphere for the space.

Langley High School's production of Biloxi Blues took the audience on a heartfelt journey, full of laughter, but perfectly balanced with somber moments. Each scene was executed with clear intentions, passion, and acute attention to detail. All these things culminated to make an overall stunning performance.

Kara Murri
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Eugene Morris Jerome entered the US Army with three goals: to become a writer, to stay alive, and to lose his virginity. Each platoon member entered with their own fantasy, some raunchy, others sincere, and Langley High School's production of "Biloxi Blues" crafted these fantasies into an honest, impactful coming-of-age story following these six teenaged recruits who have no idea what they are headed into.

Written by Neil Simon, "Biloxi Blues" is the second part of the "Eugene Trilogy", a partially autobiographical narrative that follows Eugene from childhood to his time in the army during World War II to his work as a writer. "Biloxi Blues" moved to Broadway in 1985 and was soon after adapted into a movie. In "Biloxi Blues," a new platoon struggles during basic training with issues of race, religion, sexuality, and manhood in the swamps of Biloxi, Mississippi. Although the story possesses mature themes and content, Langley's cast handled sensitive and racy moments with tactfulness.

Cole Sitilides brought a level of unexpected grit and versatility as Eugene. He skillfully shifted between wisecracks, emotional asides to the audience, and immature conversations with his company. Sitilides had the audience chuckling at his matter-of-fact witty remarks and naivete, but misty-eyed at particularly poignant moments. Even without a spotlight, Sitilides still would have shone as the lovable, resilient Eugene.

When Mark Bosset, as Sgt. Merwin J. Toomey, strode into the barracks, his aura commanded attention. Bosset added a layer of complexity to the drill sergeant trope with impressive technique. The audience could hardly tell the high school senior was not a middle-aged army officer who, in his own words, had sucked discipline from his mother's breast. From deliberate heel-to-toe steps and stern mannerisms to thundering vocal ability, every scene with Bosset onstage was palpably intensified. He managed to embody discipline and honor throughout the show, including thrilling performances while interrogating his subordinates or drunkenly brandishing a pistol.

The six platoon members created a cohesive unit, but still possessed individuality through unique expressions and body language. They played off each other's contrasting characters impressively. From Wykowski, the animalistic soldier with a big appetite and big mouth, to the logical, timid, compassionate Arnold Epstein to the indecisive, would-be singer Don Carney, each was distinct and engaging. Additionally, those of the cast with accents did so with consistency. Outnumbered by men, Rowena and Daisy, portrayed by Abigail Dickerson and Hannah Cameron-Cadenazzi, each held their own and effectively developed compelling chemistry with Eugene.

The phenomenal technical work by Langley's crew enhanced the actors' performances and truly captured the 1940's era. The props team was thorough in making sure every prop was accurate to the time period and realistic, including the nauseating slop that the recruits were required to eat, a LIFE magazine, and fake cigarettes. The set was consistent and detailed in every scene, with old-school barracks, a train compartment, and more. Despite these extensive set pieces, the stage management and run crew were able to transition from scene to scene effortlessly. The costume, hair, and makeup crews showed admirable commitment to the time period, even giving the soldiers buzz cuts. The lighting was relatively simple, but contributed profoundly in particularly dramatic moments, especially with the use of the spotlight.

The soldiers lounge inside a train compartment, drowsy yet full of rambunctious energy, but this time they aren't headed to Biloxi: they're headed out. They are different than before. Eugene's three goals are almost complete, and they depart with their fantasies intact. Each of them will be forever changed by the grim reality of war, but their stories are forever preserved.

Erin Mullins
Lake Braddock Secondary
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

As a train travels through the deep American south, the sound of a pen scratching against paper can be heard, as can the low singing of a man. The closer the train gets to its destination, the closer the passengers are to learning the role they will play in history in Langley High School's production of Biloxi Blues.

Biloxi Blues, written by Neil Simon, chronicles the life of Eugene Morris Jerome, an aspiring writer from New York. Premiering in 1984, the play takes place during World War Two as Eugene travels to Biloxi, Mississippi to begin his training for the Army. Eugene, along with five other young men in his platoon, must adjust to military life as they try to gather life experience, while simultaneously grappling with the fact that their days may be numbered.

Overall, the cast showed dedication to their roles and performed with high energy that was in no way deterred by the small cast size. Each actor created individual mannerisms unique to their roles that not only allowed their characters to stand out from one another, but also meshed well to form a cohesive ensemble with chemistry that only grew as the show continued.

Cole Sitilides was very versatile in his performance as Eugene. His ability to interact with his fellow actors while interchangeably breaking the fourth wall to talk to the audience was natural and did not disrupt the flow of the play. Featuring a consistent Brooklyn accent throughout the show, he showcased the strength and irritation of the character while he spends time on the base, but also the naivety and softness while he seeks out love.

Mark Bosset demanded the audience's attention in his role as the no-nonsense Sgt. Toomey. Bosset performed with an intensity that convincingly portrayed a man who had spent many years in the military. His control, both physically and mentally, resulted in rigid movement and impressive enunciation, which only served to make his sudden drunken descent into desperation even more jarring.

The lighting design (Jacqueline Delmar, Ellie Smedberg, Mary Muir, and Ava Arvand) smoothly enhanced the transitions in the show. The use of cross fades and isolated lighting occupied the audience's attention in one area of the stage, keeping them from noticing when a shift was underway. The use of props (Maddy Rubin, Elisa Eiras, Alyssa Medici, and Dian Wang), including the period calendar and magazines and the ribbons on Toumey's uniform, showed attention to detail and commitment to making the show as accurate as possible.

Langley High School's performance of Biloxi Blues handles mature content of the 1940s with sophistication and commitment. Their ability to effectively switch between comedic and serious scenes enticed the audience, and was highlighted by the attention to detail and seamless transitions. The cast and crew came together to deliver a production that questions the difference between obedience and compassion, and what causes one to be more important than the other.