Mister Roberts

Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, St. Louis

About the Show

General George S. Patton famously observed, “War is hell” but, for the men aboard the naval supply ship AK601 floating in placid Pacific seaways during World War II, monotony is even worse. As they travel back and forth shuttling cargo to warships bound for battle areas they’ll never see, they’re bored, restless, weary and rowdy, engaging in pranks and fights, plotting hilarious schemes to break up the days and drive their commander crazy. No one is more eager for an escape from the tedium than Lieutenant Doug Roberts, who’s itching for a transfer to a battleship, eager for a shot at heroism, to play his part and see some action far from the tranquility of his supply ship assignment. Unfortunately, the only combat in Roberts’ life is with his commander, the AK601’s hard-bitten captain, who disdains “college men” like Roberts and who drives the crew mercilessly in pursuit of his own promotion. The crusty skipper hasn’t allowed the crew shore leave in over a year and the tension is taking its toll.

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