February 7, 2008

Wayne State Begins Forest Arms Disaster Relief Effort with Biloxi Blues

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DETROIT-- On the morning of February 6, students awoke to a devastating fire at Forest Arms Apartments, located on the south side of the Wayne State University campus. Twenty-five Wayne State students were displaced, most losing all of their possessions, and are currently being provided housing on campus.

As the first step in Wayne State University’s Forest Arms Disaster Relief Effort, the Wayne State College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts and the Hilberry Theatre are presenting a performance from which all proceeds will be given directly to the students affected by this horrible tragedy.

The Hilberry Theatre presents this special benefit performance of Biloxi Blues on Saturday, February 9 at 2 p.m. In addition to this special performance, monetary donations for the students will be accepted starting Thursday, February 7, 2008 through Saturday, February 9, 2008. The Hilberry Theatre is one of the official drop-off sites for any monetary donations for this cause.

Neil Simon’s Biloxi Blues, a semi-autobiographical piece, focuses on 20-year-old Eugene Morris Jerome. After leaving home for the first time, he finds himself on a train headed to Biloxi, Mississippi, a boot camp during World War II. As he prepares for the war ahead, Eugene tries to understand his reactions to what is happening around him while he confronts his own dreams. It is during this period in his life that he learns how to deal with a multitude of personalities and find love.

Student tickets will be available at the door for a $10 donation. General admission tickets are available for a $30 donation. The Hilberry Theatre box office is open Tuesday - Saturday from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.