VPA comedy provides genuine laughs

Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA -- Valley Performing Arts' current production of "The Miss Firecracker Contest" contained plenty of crackling scenes on opening weekend, mixed in with moments that seemed to fizzle.

The comedic play centers around Carnelle Scott, a factory worker played by VPA veteran actor, Aurora Pease. Pease brings plenty of energy and a believable Southern accent to her role as the local hussy attempting to amend her ways by entering a small town beauty contest. At times, however, Pease's lines came off a bit rigid and automatic, not the sort of interaction needed for audience members to really empathize with her struggle to break free and create a new life.

Rose Engeln performed admirably as Elain, a former Miss Firecracker beauty winner living off her faded glow. Engeln combined authentic Southern hospitality with an overblown ego to create a believable Southern lady in the midst of a mid-life crisis.

Steve Cuthbert, another longtime VPA actor, played Cousin Delmount. Cuthbert struggled at times to convey the arrogant tone of his character but his interactions with Colleen Peterson, playing the seamstress named Popeye, were definitely the pearls of this performance.

Peterson rarely missed a beat in performing the role of a homely girl who falls head-over-heels in love with Cousin Delmount. From the nervous wringing of her hands to the subtle hesitations and love struck gazes, Peterson stole many of the scenes and the audience responded with genuine laughter.

In plays like "The Miss Firecracker Contest," which attempt to combine tragedy with comedy, timing and fresh character interaction are crucial for the audience to be able to connect with the characters' struggles. The performance last weekend missed the mark on a few scenes but there were definitely shining moments of genuine tragic comedy.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.