University of Oklahoma School of Drama

Lab Theatre

April 11 - 15, 2017

Directed by:  Russell Treyz

Scenic Designer:  Anthony Wilkinson

Costume Designer:  Ben Burton

Lighting Designer:  Josh Robbins

 

 

Biloxi Blues is the story of a writer.  A young new soldier is on his way to his first base after being drafted.  His bunkmates are all interesting characters as well, and all of them are under the thumb of their platoon leader who might be just a bit psychotic.  It’s one of Neil Simon’s enduring stories.

 

My research for the play started with the iconic music and sounds of the time period.  Less about the machines of war, it became about punctuating the moments of the town of Biloxi, supporting transitions with the chants of soldiers as they march.  Music and moments kept true to the world of 1943.

 

The scenic approach was very minimal, using trunks and frame beds to create each space.  In moments, these could represent all different locations in the base.  In others, they could be locations in the town, including the home of the prostitute they visit.  Such a flexible and yet neutral set approach meant that lighting and sound had to do extra work to ground the locations.

 

To really bring our audience into the world of this piece, the chants of marching soldiers would cover each transition, keeping that soldier mindset as we hear the drill sergeant chanting and the men responding.  The constant sound of boots on the road added to this pace.  Music from the time period would help center us in the world of this piece.  Our preshow announcement even borrowed from the radio broadcasts at that time, the good wishes and support for the soldiers overseas.