7th Annual Stella Yelling Contest Winners

The Bay St. Louis Little Theatre recently held its 7th annual “Stella Yelling” contest.  On Saturday, April 11^th, 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), Clayton Pennylegion, Nancy Moynan, Sarah Morgan (past winner), and head judge and the first winner of the ”Stella” contest, Larry Clark.   

The first place winner was Lionel Maxon of Destrehan, LA.  Second place was taken by Louis Myrick of Hattiesburg, MS.  In third place was Mona McCaskill of Oklahoma.  The first place prize was a trophy and $15o.  Second and third place won $100 and $50, respectively. 

The special role of  “Stella” was played this year by Amaya Clark.   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 Festival” held on the grounds of the Train Depot. The festival includes a BBQ contest, vendors, and a band stage.  Band performances this year were Phil Williams and the House Katz, MJ and the Redeemers, and ending the event was the ever popular Rockie Doopsie.  The event is scheduled for March next year.