Beth Henley's Southern comedy "The Miss Firecracker Contest" opens Feb. 18 at Muhlenberg College with a cast of six college seniors.

"The Miss Firecracker Contest" tells the story of 25-year-old Carnelle Scott, known around her tiny Mississippi town as "Miss Hot Tamale" for a past that she would like to forget.

Julia Garber plays Carnelle. Russell Norris plays Delmount, Carnelle's older cousin.

"The show is a comedy, almost to the point of farce, but at the same time, there are extremely moving moments where the characters are at a precipice, looking at their lives," said Muhlenberg director Francine Roussel.

"The Miss Firecracker Contest" runs at 8 p.m., Wednesday - Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18 - 22, Studio Theatre, Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance, Muhlenberg College, Allentown.

The performance is intended for mature audiences.

Ticket information: muhlenberg.edu/theatre, 484-664-3333

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