College of the Desert Presents 'Biloxi Blues'

From College of the Desert Performing Arts:

College of the Desert (COD) Performing Arts will present Biloxi Blues in Theatre Too on December 2, 3, and 4, 2016.

Biloxi Blues, Neil Simon’s 1985 Tony Award-winning, autobiographical play is directed by Theatre Faculty Matt Neves. Set and production designer is J.W. Layne.

The play tells the story of Eugene Jerome, a young army recruit during WW II, going through basic training and learning about life and love, along with some harsher lessons, while stationed at boot camp in Biloxi, Mississippi. Biloxi Blues is the second chapter in what is known as his Eugene trilogy, following Brighton Beach Memoirs and preceding Broadway Bound.

The production stars COD students Daniel Zepeda, Lee Padick, Emilia Jimenez, and guest artist, Nicholas Sloan. The strong supporting student cast features D.K. Zeleznik, German Pavon, Samuel Martinez, Richard Ilie and Violeta Mullins.

“We are very excited to produce this play at COD”, say Neves, “because it’s easy for our students to relate to these characters that are falling in love and learning to accept the differences they have with others. Also since the play is set in 1943, we have incorporated music of the period throughout the play with a chorus of Andrews Sisters-type singers and dancing.” The singing ensemble includes Ruby Gomez, Sydney Tiszai, Amber Mora, Ariella Carrillo and Chandra Smith, all COD students.

Don’t miss this beautifully crafted drama filled with comedy and music. It will be a wonderful evening of nostalgia, punctuated with a thought-provoking message.

Biloxi Blues is at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings, and matinees at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2, 3 and 4. Tickets are just $15-18 for purchase online at www.collegeofthedesert.ticketleap.com or in advance at the COD Bookstore, contact them at 760.773.2563, for hours and payment options.

For more information about show call 760.773.2565.

Image via Shutterstock