ODU Theatre Presents ‘The Miss Firecracker Contest’: A Sidesplitting Comedy Full of Stars, Stripes & Spunk

January 24, 2013

Old Dominion University Theatre will open its spring 2013 season with a Broadway favorite, "The Miss Firecracker Contest."

Performances will be held at 8 p.m. Feb. 21, 22, 23 and 28, and March 1 and 2, at the Goode Theatre. An additional matinee show is scheduled for Feb. 23 at 2 p.m.

"The Miss Firecracker Contest" is the inspiring story of Carnelle Scott, a lonesome Southern orphan living in Brookhaven, Miss. Carnelle is feverishly rehearsing her patriotic tap dance for the Miss Firecracker Contest in hopes a victory will rescue her less-than-polished reputation as the town's "Miss Hot Tamale" and permit her to leave Brookhaven in a "crimson blaze of glory." But Carnelle's complete transformation is threatened by the unexpected appearance of her cousin Elain, a former Miss Firecracker Queen who walked out on her wealthy but dull husband and their two small children, and Elain's peculiar - and freshly released from a mental institution - brother, Delmount. Through it all, Carnelle's travails culminate in a hilarious and spectacular firework-worthy finish!

"The Miss Firecracker Contest" kicks off the first full season of performances hosted at the Goode Theatre, the latest addition to the ODU Arts District. The theatre officially opened last April with a reception to honor benefactors David and Susan Goode. It was also the venue for the progressive show, "Metamorphoses," which fully demonstrated how a cutting-edge space allows for flexibility of design and performance that inspires creativity.

The Goode Theatre is located at 4608 Monarch Way in ODU's University Village. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.oduartstix.com or by calling the box office at 683-5305. Box office hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information, go to www.odu.edu/al/theatre or call 683-3608.