Morrison woman to direct Biloxi Blues

By SVN News Service

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CLINTON, Iowa – TEN HUT!!! Hup hup hup huppp… Boot camp in Biloxi, Mississippi, is coming to the Showboat stage.

Neil Simon, author of The Odd Couple and other countless comedies penned “Biloxi Blues,” a WWII coming-of-age comedy to be directed by Jalayne Riewerts of Morrison. Riewerts has been a staple on the Showboat for over 12 years, but this is her first time taking the helm for a CAST show. She holds a masters’ degree in directing from Roosevelt University and has directed elsewhere locally.

The lead is played by Drew Simendinger, a senior at Millikin University. Simendinger plays Eugene Morris Jerome, who is drafted into the Army and put through the paces by Drill Instructor Sergeant Toomey, portrayed by Rob Engelson. Engelson has already graced the Showboat stage this season in Death Defying Acts and in Singin’ in the Rain.

Toomey also gives the other recruits, played by Joshua Sohn, Alex Fenzel, Kris Doss, Nick Divarco, and Dale Hawes, a tough time as they discover what it means to be a man. Rounding out the cast are two ladies: one of the night played by Kate Hennies, and one of Jerome’s dreams played by Claire Barnhart.

The play begins tonight and runs through Aug. 2. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with matinees at 3 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for students, and $9 for children. Rastrelli’s Restaurant and the Showboat are also offering “Dinner and a Show” packages, $30 for adults and $15 for children. Call the Showboat box office for tickets at 563-242-6760, or you can buy them at www.clintonshowboat.org online.