'Biloxi Blues'
The Butler Little Theatre will begin its 77th season with “Biloxi Blues,” a Neil Simon dramatic comedy opening on Sept. 29.
The cast is a mixture of veterans and newer talent under the direction of Bob Craig with production by Marianne Snider.
“Biloxi Blues” is the second in a trilogy that centers on the life of a young army recruit, Eugene Morris Jerome. The story is set in Biloxi, Miss., during World War II. It follows the characters from “Brighton Beach Memoirs” which was produced by the BLT in 2015.
The focal point is the conflict of Sgt. Merwin J. Toomey and Arnold Epstein, one of many enlisted men under his command.
The action opens as Eugene Morris Jerome (Cody Nagle), an 18-year-old from Brooklyn, is drafted and sent to basic training in Biloxi. He encounters a variety of diverse individuals including the young Arnold Epstein (Josh Donovan), who is the central character in the play.
Adam Pawlowicz of Connoquenessing will appear in his first production. He plays the role of Roy Selridge, one of the young soldiers off to the basic training camp in Biloxi.
“He's a tough numskull that makes up for what he lacks in the intelligence department with sarcasm and strength,” Pawlowicz said.
“It's a very enjoyable to play a character who isn't exactly the smartest, but it's a little difficult to keep a straight face saying some of my lines,” he added.
Pawlowicz said he has been getting into character while preparing for his first improv event, so it has been a full plate of acting for him.
“Being as it's my first production, memorizing my lines and cues are the only minor challenges I have,” he said.
Pawlowicz said he thinks the show is both gripping and laugh-out-loud funny. “It will be a hilarious evening of theater,” he said.
Playing the role of another soldier, Joseph Wykowski, is John Carlson of Butler.
“Wykowski is a less than intelligent, hypermasculine man that was born for the battlefield,” said Carlson, who gets a workout from the portrayal.
“It's a great character to let out my frustrations. Playing Wykowski is like spending two hours working a punching bag. By the end of each show, it's impossible for me to be angry about anything,” he said.
Carlson is challenged by the role as he can't relate to the character personally, he said.
“I completely disagree with how Wykowski behaves. I've never had a character that I feel zero personal connection with before,” he said.
Carlson credits the role with putting him in the best shape of his life, though.
He last appeared on stage at the BLT in “Inherit the Wind” as Elijah, the crazed, illiterate Bible salesman.
“It's a wonderfully fun show to see,” he said of “Biloxi.”
“It has something for everyone over the age of 17. Lots of laughs and lovable characters,” he said.
Also in the production are: Grant Clark as Dan Carney, Montana Simpson as James Hennesey, Don Shearer as Sgt. Merwin J. Toomey, Amy Cannard as Rowena, and Allison Torres as Daisy Hannigan.
WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: “Biloxi Blues” by Neil SimonWHEN: Sept. 29 to Oct. 7, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayWHERE: One Howard St.TICKETS: $13, by calling 724-287-6781INFO: bltgroup.org
