‘Miss Firecracker Contest’ debuts at Starlighters Theatre

     With the Fourth of July upon us, many people are gearing up for their annual Independence Day celebrations, spending time with family and friends.

     Sticking with that theme, Starlighters II Theatre in Anamosa has been busy preparing for their summer stage production of “The Miss Firecracker Contest.”

     The production, classified as a “Southern gothic comedy,” kicked off opening night last weekend. But, you still have time to see the show with your family and friends on Friday and Saturday, June 29 and 30, and Sunday, July 1.

     The play takes place in the ‘80s and centers around six cast members, and was written by Pulitzer Prize winner Beth Henley. It tells the story of Carnelle Scott (played by Jennifer Beall), a young woman with a tarnished reputation trying to leave her small Mississippi town in a blaze of glory by winning the Miss Firecracker Contest.

     Carnelle’s plan becomes more complicated with the return of her cousins. Elain Rutledge (played by Heather Sims) is seeking a way out of her unfulfilling marriage. Delmount Williams (played by Matt English) was recently released from a mental hospital. The trio is joined by a group of other eccentric characters as they all try to find love and acceptance despite their painful pasts.

     Other characters include: Popeye Jackson, played by Alyssa Chapman; Mac Sam, played by Clayton Lubben; and Tessy Mahoney, played by Alanna Lawrence.

     “The Miss Firecracker Contest” is directed by Kathryn Williams, and assisted by Basillio Light.

     Williams has been involved with Starlighters in the past, before stepping away from theater to raise her family. She’s been a part of several community theater groups throughout the years.

     “I took a 26-year hyatis,” she said.

     Williams studied theater in college and took part in high school productions herself at a young age. She’s been in several community theater productions as well over the years.

     Williams acted in a few productions at Starlighters, but makes her directorial debut with “The Miss Firecracker Contest.” She assisted Light in directing “The Odd Couple” last year.

     Prior to directing this show, Williams took part in a directing class, offered at Starlighters.

     As for how she came to direct “The Miss Firecracker Contest,” she said the play seemed “interesting.

     “I liked it immediately after reading it,” recalled Williams. “I felt it was a relatable show because it was funny, and I liked that.”

     She said the play has a lot to do with people searching to belong in life and self- acceptance.

     Directors are always looking for certain traits when casting, and Williams was fortunate enough to find ideal actors for her small cast.

     “I am very pleased with the cast,” she said. “With six cast members, it’s a more manageable cast for my first show.”

     Williams said the show has lots of humor, but can also be a little dark at times.

     “It comes about partly because the playwright added some serious themes,” she said.

     Given the serious nature, Williams said she would rate the play PG-13 if she had to give it a rating.

     “There is nothing worse than what you would see or hear on TV,” she said of the adult-content. “But the themes are alluded to tastefully.”

     The first act takes place inside the home of the grandmother, who is deceased. The second act takes place outdoors at the Independence Day festival.

     “It has been intense,” Williams shared of staging the play and changing sets during intermission. “It’s also a very prop-heavy play.”

     Williams sat down with the Express for an interview just days before opening night. Aside from some issues that were out of her control, she felt the play was coming along nicely.

     As for what she hopes the audience takes away, she said, frankly, it is up to the individual audience members.

     “There is no profound, preachy message,” she said. “A lot of it is open to interpretation, and people interpret things differently.”

     Overall, Williams said “The Miss Firecracker Contest” is pretty relatable for anyone.

     To purchase tickets, contact the box office at 319-462-4793. Starlighters is located at 200 E. Main St. in downtown Anamosa.