Neil Simon’s ‘Biloxi Blues’ storms stage with full force
Creative Outlet Theatre Company’s boot-camp comedy executes tour
de force
By Jennifer Richmond
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
If you’ve see the film "Biloxi Blues," you haven’t seen Neil
Simon’s "Biloxi Blues."
Simon’s stage play is a great comedy that bares little
similarity to the film starring Matthew Broderick. The characters
and plot are the same, but several scenes from the original comedy
got lost in the journey from stage to screen. So, if you want to
see the original in all it’s glory, the new production at the Court
Theater is the one.
In their inaugural production, the Creative Outlet Theatre
Company has given a tour de force effort. From the acting to the
sets, all aspects are awe inspiring for the little company that’s
barely gotten off the ground.
Set in Biloxi, Miss., Simon’s second in his trio of
autobiographical shows follows Eugene Morris Jerome as he
experiences life in and around a boot camp during World War II.
What makes this production so special is the freshness the
company brings to it. The play no longer feels like something
that’s been done time and time again. All the actors bring their
own spice to the production, especially Josh Adell as Jerome, Jeff
Maynard as Arnold Epstein, and Kim Strauss as Sergeant Toomey. Were
it not for these three actors, the comedy would just be another
Neil Simon show packed with one-liners.
Adell plays Eugene with perfect comic timing. He knows just when
to play for sympathy and makes a 180 degree turn by pausing just
long enough before he gives a punch line. His blank looks as if to
say "see what I mean?" are so well placed, it’s impossible to
imagine any other actor playing the part with such precision.
Although Adell puts his heart and soul into Eugene, there’s
always something nagging at the audience. But it’s not until the
second act that one realizes the actor reminds them of Broderick
when he played the role for both stage and screen. His blank looks
at the audience and Brooklyn accent remind of a cross between
Broderick’s Ferris Bueller and Eugene. This one reminder doesn’t
ruin Adell’s performance.
Strauss doesn’t have that problem. Christopher Walken’s film
persona never enters the audience’s mind because Strauss plays the
sergeant lighter than the screen character and so gives the entire
show a more comedic feel. He says almost every line with either a
chuckle, laugh or sly grin, making it impossible to hate him.
Only once does Strauss replace his light-hearted personality
with a stern face. When a fellow soldier is accused of being a
homosexual, both Strauss and the scene become tense. He doesn’t try
to ham it up. He plays it straight-faced with a tender tone. It’s
clear he’s as upset about the situation as Hennesey.
Jeff Maynard’s Epstein ends the line of masterful performances.
Always the poignant on-looker, Maynard takes care to never
over-act. Every action and statement is presented with understated
compassion evoking a presence that blinds the brightest star.
Although his entire time onstage is outstanding, there’s one
monologue that puts the rest of his lines to shame. During the
first act, Eugene and Arnold have a heart-to-heart in which Arnold
tells Eugene of a racist act he endured. Two higher ranked officers
treated Arnold, a Jew, to a mouthful of their excrement when he
asked them to flush the toilet after he had just cleaned it.
The controlled emotion Maynard exhibits leaves the audience
speechless. He plays the loud hush that fills the theater
perfectly. Maynard allows the audience to experience their disgust
before he switches back to his position as the brunt of everyone’s
jokes making the scene the most memorable moment of the play.
Acting like this makes the show a worthwhile revival. Although
"Blues" has been seen in several capacities before, the Creative
Outlet has had the courage to breath new life into this comedy and
make it their own.
STAGE: "Biloxi Blues." Written by Neil Simon. Running through
Feb. 18 at the Court Theater. Performing Thursday – Sunday at 8
p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. TIX: $20 or $10 with a valid
student ID. For more info, call: (213) 857-0207.
"Biloxi Blues" is showing at the Court Theater through Feb.
18.
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