"Mister Roberts" by Thomas Heggen and Joshua Logan [Theater program]

Abstract

Mister Roberts is the story of the crew of the USS Reluctant, a navy cargo ship stationed in the safe area of the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Ships like these were very common for transporting goods to and from other ships, as well as to and from ports controlled by the Allied forces. •This play takes place during the final days of the War in Europe, as the Allied forces had borne down on Germany and demanded the unconditional surrender of the Nazi-led country. After the Germans surrendered on V-E Day (May 8th, 1945), the US continued to battle the Japanese in the Pacific until September 2, 1945. •‘The play is based on Thomas Heggin's 1946 novel of the same name. The novel began as a collection of short stories about Heggen's experiences aboard the USS Virgo (AKA-20) in the South Pacific during World War IL. Broadway producer Leland Hayward acquired the rights for the play and hired Heggen and Joshua Logan for the adaptation. •Mister Roberts won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1948. (Tani Isaac and Moshe Rube).