The Moorpark College Drama and Veterans Clubs are pleased to announce FREE tickets for Moorpark area Veterans and a guest for the Friday, November 2, 2012, 8 p.m. performance of the Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department’s fall production of Neil Simon’s “Biloxi Blues.” This hilarious and poignant Broadway hit will run through November 4 at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark.

The fun begins as the audience is transported back to the days of “Rosie the Riveter,” basic training and “Victory Gardens” in Neil Simon’s heart-warming “Biloxi Blues,” the second of Simon's semi-autobiographical trilogy. This thoughtful comedy centers on the experiences of a young army recruit during World War II, Eugene Morris Jerome. At basic training in Biloxi, Mississippi, Eugene is determined to use his army experiences to help his writing career and keeps detailed and humorous memoirs about his experiences. Eugene and five other assorted enlisted men suffer under a hard-nosed drill sergeant, confront the terrible army food served up in the mess hall, and join together to tease Eugene about his inexperience with women. Throughout, Eugene makes insightful and whimsical observations on lessons learned about authority, danger, sex, assimilation, bigotry, homosexuality, and love. John Loprieno, Theatre Arts Department Chair, will direct the production. “Saamon Legosi, or as we know him, ‘Lego,’ was a Theatre Arts student two years ago before he was redeployed to the Middle East,” said Loprieno. “When he approached me about doing an event with the Veterans Club, this seemed like a natural. Lego’s enthusiasm and dedication is contagious, and his desire to serve on all levels is inspirational. We’re very excited about this special performance for returning Veterans and their families.”

Two hundred seats are reserved for this special performance of “Biloxi Blues” at 8 p.m. on November 2. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Interested Veterans and a guest may call the Moorpark College Box Office at (805) 378-1485 to reserve seats. Proceeds from the snack bar for this performance will be donated to the Veterans Club. “Biloxi Blues” runs October 25-27 and November 1-3 at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on October 28 and November 4. Tickets range from $8 (students) to $15 (adults), with senior and group discounts available. For more information, visit MoorparkCollege.edu/PAC.