Regionally honest and universally appealing, the work of Beth Henley has been acclaimed by critics since her play Crimes of the Heart won the Pulitzer prize for Drama in 1981. Her style is studded with southern charm reminiscent of her home-state of Mississippi. In a theatrical culture still dominated by stronger male roles, Henley portrays complex and beautiful lead women. Her characters are chronic misfits, both portrayed as painfully awkward and deeply sympathetic. Her dramatic range spans from her many and acclaimed comedic Southern Gothic plays, such as Crimes of the Heart and Debutante Ball, to deeply twisted satires, such as Control Freaks.
One of her most acclaimed works, both performed on Broadway and adapted for film, is The Miss Firecracker Contest. The ambitious Carnelle Scott aims to win her towns beauty contest to restore her otherwise tarnished reputation, and disrupts the lives of those close to her in the wake of her pursuits.
The Miss Firecracker Contest opens this week at Poly, playing from Wednesday to Saturday. Email Tina Cocumelli to see this excellent show featuring Bebe LaGrua, Alice Readick, Grant Genske, Matt Lochner, Clara Neilson, and Kelly Burdge.
Come support the theatre!
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