For the article about the film based on this play, see Biloxi Blues. Biloxi Blues is a semi-autobiographical play by Neil Simon. The second chapter in what is known as his Eugene Trilogy , it follows Brighton Beach Memoirs and precedes Broadway Bound . The story centers around 20-year-old Eugene Morris Jerome from Brooklyn, who is drafted into the United States Army during World War II and is sent to Biloxi, Mississippi for basic training. Eugene learns to cope with fellow soldiers from all walks of life, falls in love, and loses his virginity under less than ideal circumstances, all while having to navigate around the eccentricities of his drill sergeant.

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Broadway production

After 12 previews, the Broadway production, under the direction of Gene Saks, opened on March 28, 1985 at the Neil Simon Theatre, where it ran for 524 performances before closing on June 28, 1986. Scenic Design was by David Mitchell, costume design by Ann Roth, and lighting design by Tharon Musser. Emanuel Azenberg served as producer in association with Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre.

Opening night cast

• Matthew Broderick ..... Eugene Morris Jerome
• Bill Sadler ..... Sgt. Merwin J. Toomey
• Penelope Ann Miller ..... Daisy Hannigan
• Randall Edwards ..... Rowena
• Barry Miller ..... Arnold Epstein
• Matt Mulhern ..... Joseph Wykowski
• Alan Ruck ..... Don Carney
• Geoffrey Sharp ..... James Hennesey
• Brian Tarantina ..... Roy Selridge

Notable replacements

Matthew Broderick was succeeded by Zach Galligan, William Ragsdale, and Jonathan Silverman, and Jamey Sheridan replaced Bill Sadler as Sgt. Toomey.

Notable understudies

Jon Tenney understudied the role of Eugene, among others, and Dan Butler understudied the role of Sgt. Toomey.

Awards and nominations

• Tony Award for Best Play (winner )
• Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play (Barry Miller, winner )
• Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play (winner )
• Theatre World Award (Barry Miller, winner )
• Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play (nominee)
• Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Barry Miller, winner ; Bill Sadler, nominee)
• Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director of a Play (nominee)

Film adaptation

Broderick, Mulhern, and Miller reprised their stage roles for a 1988 film adaptation directed by Mike Nichols.