The Miss Firecracker Contest
by Texas Lutheran University Department of Dramatic Art

Apr. 20 - Oct. 22, 2023
Thursday-Saturday

As the Fourth of July approaches in Brookhaven, Mississippi, Carnelle Scott (known locally as “Miss Hot Tamale") is rehearsing furiously for the annual Miss Firecracker Contest.  She hopes that a victory will salvage her tarnished reputation and allow her to leave town in a blaze of glory.  Those goals are complicated with the unexpected arrival of her pretty cousin Elain, a former Miss Firecracker winner.  Elain has her own struggles, having walked out on her rich but boring husband and two small children.

Things become even more complicated with the appearance of Elain’s eccentric brother, Delmount—recently released from a mental institution and eager to sell the family homestead.  With the help of an endearingly awkward seamstress named Popeye and several other colorful characters, Carnelle strives to persevere.  

As the pageant arrives, Carnelle’s quest reveals a broader pursuit of happiness and freedom for all characters, through Beth Henley’s trademark hilarity, compassion, and moving lyricism.  Join the students of TheatreXpress as they produce what the NY Times called an “explosively funny play” and what The Hollywood Reporter reviewed as “a comic volcano of a play, populated by offbeat, but vital, larger-than-life characters…”

Viewer discretion advised:  contains mature subject matter and language. 

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The Miss Firecracker Contest
by Beth Henley
Texas Lutheran University Department of Dramatic Art

 

April 20 & 22 @ 7:30 PM

April 21 @ 2:30 PM    

A TheatreXpress student production, featured during XpressFest.The Studio Theatre, Weston Arts Center, Texas Lutheran University, Seguin