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"The Miss Firecracker Contest" explodes on The Renaissance Theatre's stage with a great ensemble cast.  Dale Worley directs this Beth Henley (known for "Crimes of the Heart") play with assistance from Tom Ed Moore.  Henley's plays focus on dilemmas of women, their conflicts and suffering within the family and their questions about personal identity and the meaning of life. 

Carnelle Scott (our little "carnation" as her cousin calls her) portrayed by Beth Rhodes is the central character in "Firecracker."  She's stuck in a small Mississippi town with a bad reputation she earned in her earlier, wilder days.  All she wants to do is win the local Miss Firecracker Contest and leave Brookhaven "in a blaze of glory."  Rhodes makes us want to root for this lonely, mixed up girl.

Of course, complications arise from her cousin Elain Rutledge (played by Christian Gunner last seen in "The Sound of Music" and "Annie") who has just left her rich husband and two small children, and Elain's eccentric brother, Delmont (Dustin Wilkins).  Gunner puts in an authentic performance as a pampered and spoiled Southern ex-beauty queen.  Amber Saunders steals the show with her quirky and touching performance as "Popeye" Jackson, the naive and awkward seamstress.  In my opinion, Saunders' performance is worth the price of admission!

The cast is rounded out with Karen Lynn as uptight, church-going Tessy Mahoney and Tom Ed Moore as Mac Sam, one of Carnelle's past lovers.  After some struggles and laughs, this eccentric group of characters finally resolve some of their life issues and look forward to a somewhat hopeful future.  For a closer look into small town life and laughter, don't miss "The Miss Firecracker Contest" at The Renaissance Theatre.

The Show opens Thursday June 19, and continues Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21, at 8:00 PM.  Matinee on Sunday, June 22 at 2:30 PM.  Also showing the following week on Thursday, June 26, Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28, again at 8:00 PM.   Tickets for all shows are $12 per seat, except for opening night when seats are two for the price of one ($12).  Call 536-3117 or 536-3434 for tickets. 

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©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com
Photo ©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com

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