'Firecracker' sparks as new play
By Jamie Annel
A&E Co-Editor
A new work has been selected for the spring play, and its subject matter is “a comic volcano” according to the Hollywood Reporter.
“The Miss Firecracker Contest” tells the story of Carnelle Scott, a woman who scandalizes the small-town of Brookhaven, Mississippi with her promiscuous behavior. In a bid to redeem her tarnished reputation, she decides to enter the local Miss Firecracker beauty contest. Complications ensue when her cousin Elain arrives in town, and Elain’s brother, Delmount, is released from a mental institution.
Kaaren Holt will play Carnelle, with Sarah Heitmann as Elain and Eddie Vasquez as Delmount. Others in the cast include: Amber Mecum as seamstress Popeye Jackson, Jeremy Taylor as balloon man Mac Sam, and Megan Zomboracz as contest coordinator Tessey Mahoney.
Production assistants are Kyle Chamberlain and Jose Meranda.
IVCC theatre director Dr. David Kuester said that, despite some racy subject matter, the play is generally tame in it’s language. “It’s a very strong character piece and a good acting challenge,” he said.
The play has enjoyed critical acclaim, with the New York Times calling it “alternately Southern Gothic absurdist, melancholy and broad.”
The play will be presented on March 1-3 at 8 p.m On Sunday, March 4th, there will be a 2:30 p.m. matinee. Admission is free to IVCC students, faculty and staff who present their ID. General admission is $5.