McNeese Spring Theatre Kicks Off With “The Miss Firecracker Contest”

McNeese State University’s W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts will present “The Miss Firecracker Contest” Wednesday-Saturday, Feb. 16-19, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. in Squires Recital Hall.

Set a few days before the Fourth of July in the small Mississippi town of Brookhaven, Carnelle Scott is rehearsing furiously for the local beauty pageant, known as the Miss Firecracker Contest, hoping that a victory will salvage her tarnished reputation. But she’ll have to grapple with the unexpected arrival of her cousin Elain, a former Miss Firecracker winner who has walked out on her rich but boring husband and her two small children, as well as Elain’s eccentric brother, Delmount, who was recently released from a mental institution and is threatening to sell the family homestead. Aided by a touchingly awkward seamstress named Popeye and several other cheerfully wacky characters, Carnelle perseveres – leading to a climactic conclusion of unparalleled hilarity, compassion and moving lyricism.

Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Beth Henley, “The Miss Firecracker Contest” is a Southern gothic comedy that will appeal to all audiences. The play is directed by McNeese associate professor of theatre arts Charles McNeely, and performances will feature Kenzi Whitman as “Carnelle Scott,” Keleiah Fulgence as “Popeye Jackson,” Gabriela Quinones as “Elain Rutledge,” Carson Turgeon as “Delmount Williams,” Ashlynn Elliot as “Tessy Mahoney” and Luke Connelly as “Mac Sam.” Crew members include Layla Peloquin as stage manager, Amber Garner as costume designer and assistant stage manager, Sean Hinchee as assistant stage manager, Tyron Corpuz as publicity assistant, David Majekodunmi as light operator, Jennifer Tolbert as sound operator and Raethen Accardo, Braden Magness and Grant Arcement as backstage crew.

Prices are $15 for general admission, $10 for McNeese faculty, staff and senior citizens and free for current McNeese students with a valid student ID. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the Performing Arts Box Office at 337 475-5040 or visit www.mcneese.edu/performingarts/boxoffice/

Persons needing accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator at 337-475-5428, voice; 337-475-5960, fax; 337-562-4227, TDD/TTY, hearing impaired; or by email at cdo@mcneese.edu.