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A**R
Neil Simon's Comedic Writing Does Not Disappoint
This was a fun play, a funny play and one that keeps audiences on their toes. The play, based on Simon's real experiences in World War II, gave readers a look into a different world. While Simon's comedy does come through, so does the seriousness of the subject matter. Simon is a master of his craft and the way he uses his medium means that even casual theatre fans can appreciate the story within his narrative.The play's only holdup is that the names can get a little confusing, especially for someone as untrained at reading plays as I am. However, if you can look past that, it's a great story and gives readers a lot to think about- war, masculinity and even the ways friendships grow.I highly recommend this play, it's a fast read and you'll walk away from this story with an entirely new perspective on World War II.
B**S
Used Book
Biloxi Blues: Purchased in order to put On-stage in class. Had never read, the story is what 'boot' is all about...
M**W
Positive Experience All Around
Seller shipped quickly and the product arrived as described.
K**R
Amazon used Books always a Bargain!
Great buy and excellent condition!
D**N
Five Stars
WOULD BUY HERE AGAIN!
B**G
Nice
Love the play
M**N
Five Stars
Arrived as expected.
S**L
Portrait of the writer as a young soldier
Despite Simon's reputation among some of the literati, this is not merely "theater that works." There are plenty of chuckles, but Simon manages to score some worthwhile points--about the "sanity" of army regulations; homophobia and its victims; anti-Semitism (even among those of the same heritage); questions about authorship and the rights, privileges and "authority" of the writer; and, perhaps above all, insensitive treatment of one's "own" that equals if not exceeds the animus directed toward the "declared" enemy. At the same time, the characters, at least by this time, are all fairly stereotypical "types," which places squarely on the shoulders of the actors the challenge of bringing each to life, individualizing them in the process.The play, to my mind, could be reduced by 20 minutes without harm to the characters or themes. (The soldier who is court-marshalled on the charge of committing a deviant sexual act is required, following the sergeant's orders, to take literally minutes of the spectator's time as he suits up in view of his company--a protracted silent space that, while intended to emphasize the drama of his public humiliation, soon evokes more impatience and boredom than drama.)Simon misses an opportunity to score a point for women by not having the prostitute and the idealistic "girl next door" (i.e. the one who is "the love of every young man's life") played by the same actress. Since she is little more than a symbol in both cases, using the same actress for both roles would emphasize the point that the difference between the prostitute and the virgin is a property belonging not as much to either character as to the eye of the beholder (and, no doubt, the eyes of the audience as well).After most Simon plays that I've seen--as enjoyable, and frequently well-intended, as they are--I'm left asking the question: what was the main point? the purpose? the "thesis"?This play was no exception.
A**R
it was good ,and i love it ,thanks this is my first purchase for this item,and thank you for amazon
it was good ,and i love it ,thanks this is my first purchase for this item,and thank you for amazon
L**T
Condition
It was stated by this seller that the script i purchased was in 'good' condition. When i received it however, it had faded so badly the original colour looked like a stain and two sections of the book actually fell out when i opened it. This is not ideal as i will be working on this play for months to come and feel disappointed with the quality of my copy of the script.
Trustpilot
2 weeks ago
5 days ago