Equity Talent for "Biloxi Blues" Stage Play

The protagonist and narrator. A bright, observant, somewhat neurotic young Jewish recruit from Brooklyn who dreams of becoming a writer. Eugene is inexperienced with women and the military but possesses a sharp wit and strong imagination. He grows considerably throughout the play.

The company's intimidating, authoritarian drill sergeant. Tough, volatile, crude, and seemingly heartless, Toomey uses humiliation and fear to control the recruits. Beneath his harsh exterior, however, there are glimpses of vulnerability and desperation.

A loud, aggressive Polish-American recruit. Physically imposing and openly prejudiced, Wykowski frequently clashes with Eugene. He represents much of the macho culture and immaturity of the barracks.

An intelligent, principled Jewish recruit who becomes one of Eugene's closest friends. Thoughtful, argumentative, and politically aware, Epstein is less willing than the others to blindly follow authority. He has a strong moral compass and a dry sense of humor.

A good-natured, somewhat simple-minded recruit. Carney is friendly and eager to fit in. He provides humor and often gets caught up in the antics and conflicts of the barracks.

A nervous, religious young recruit who struggles with the realities of military life. More innocent and sheltered than some of the others, Hennesey is often the target of teasing and intimidation.

A cocky, sexually experienced recruit who enjoys telling stories and presenting himself as worldly. He is energetic, mischievous, and often contributes to the barracks' crude humor and sexual conversations.

A prostitute whom the soldiers encounter in a local house of prostitution.

A young woman Eugene meets while stationed in Biloxi. Intelligent, confident, and sexually liberated, Daisy is much more worldly than Eugene. Their relationship gives Eugene an opportunity to experience romance and adulthood outside the barracks.