The Bay St. Louis Little Theatre recently held its 8th annual “Stella Yelling” contest. On Saturday, March 26th, Tennessee Williams’ 105th birthday, the contestants gathered at the balcony of the Little Theatre to compete for the best Stanley Kowalski yell-for-Stella originated in the play “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
The contest is part of the tribute to writer Tennessee Williams. Every year the Little Theatre pays a tribute to Williams because of the connection to the writer’s history with the theater building. The Little Theatre is the featured location of the Hollywood major motion picture “This Property is Condemned” filmed in Bay St. Louis in 1965. The movie screenplay was adapted from Williams’ one act play of the same title. The adaptation was the first screenplay written by Francis Ford Coppola.
The contestants performed the infamous “Stella” yell from Williams’ play “A Streetcar Named Desire” made memorable by Marlon Brando in the Broadway play and then again in the movie. The contestants were judged on their appearance, believability, angst, overall theatrical performance. The judges were Mike Kopke, Jennifer Kopke, Charles Gray, Mayor Les Fillingame, Bruce Northridge (past winner), Nancy Moynan, Martha Whitney, and head judge and the first winner of the ”Stella” contest, Larry Clark.
The first place winner was Rutger “Rut” Jongbloets of Bay St. Louis and originally from Holland. Second place was taken by Drew Puffer of Bay St. Louis. In third place was Ron Carter of East Orange, New Jersey. The first place prize was a trophy and $150. Second and third place won $100 and $50, respectively.
The special role of “Stella” was played by Amy Coston. The contestants yell up to the balcony of the Little Theatre where, when the contest is ready to begin, Stella takes her place on the balcony.
The tribute is the featured event of the annual “Stella Blues and BBQ ” held on the grounds of the Little Theatre. The event includes Phil Williams BBQ, and a Juke Join Jam in the auditorium of the Little Theatre. Band performances this year were by Phil “Smooth” Williams and the Electric Sheep, followed by the ever popular Heather and The Monkey King. The event is scheduled for March next year and will be posted on the Theatre website.
Bay St. Louis Little Theatre 7th Annual “Stella” contest winners, L to R – Drew Puffer (Second Place), “Rut” Jongbloets (First Place), and Ron Carter (Third Place.)
→ Check out more photos of this event in the Theatre Gallery! ←