The Garden Theatre Announces BILOXI BLUES, Beginning 2/8

The Garden Theatre has announced Beth Marshall Presents' production of the Neil Simon classic, Biloxi Blues sponsored by Harmony Tech, LLC. and Progress Energy, February 8-24, 2013 at the Garden Theatre (160 West Plant Street, Winter Garden).

On opening night, Friday, February 8, the Garden Theatre has partnered with Camaradie Foundation to host a special pre-show reception for local active-duty and retired military heroes. In attendance will be recently retired CoL. David Smith. Upon retirement, Col. Smith was the highest ranking U.S. Marine in Central Florida as he oversaw the development of training simulations in Central Florida. Also in attendance will be Col. Patrick Connors II with over 23 years of active duty service in the U.S. Army, and retired LTC Earle Denton with 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S Army.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, Biloxi Blues is the semi-autobiographical comedy-drama by Neil Simon and the second in the trilogy which includes Brighton Beach Memoirs and Broadway Bound. Biloxi Blues follows the story of Eugene Jerome as a young army recruit going through basic training during World War II and the harsh lessons he must face while stationed at a boot camp in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Biloxi Blues is directed by award winning-playwright and acclaimed director Rob Anderson. This is Anderson's directorial debut with both the Garden Theatre and Beth Marshall Presents. The role of Epstein will be played by C.K. Anderson, the son of Rob Anderson. C.K. starred in the lead role of the Beth Marshall Presents production of The Diviners last season at just 14 years of age.

The lead role of Eugene is performed by Carl Krickmire. Krickmire has performed across the east coast of the U.S., including off-Broadway in the original comedy Last Laugh. This will be Krickmire's first time performing on the Garden Theatre stage.

Tyler Cravens plays the role of Sgt. Toomey. Cravens is making his Beth Marshall Presents debut, but has been found on the Garden stage starring in Noises Off and Greater Tuna. Cravens is the owner of Thai Blossom and Jojo Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt in historic downtown Winter Garden.

Other roles include Jennifer Bonner as Rowena, Andy Haynes as Carney, Michael Osowski as Wykowski, Steve Pugh as Selridge, Cody Senger as Hennessy, and Julie Snyder as Daisy.

This marks the seventh show produced by Beth Marshall Presents at the Garden Theatre, including previous shows L'Ange Avec Les Fleurs, Our Town, Crimes of the Heart, Driving Miss Daisy, A Christmas Carol and The Diviners.

This show is recommended for ages 12 and older due to language and suggestive themes.

Show times are Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $21 for seniors/students. For tickets, visit gardentheatre.org or call the Garden Theatre Box Office at 407-877-GRDN (4736).