'Antici...pation': Westside Theatre Foundation presents 'Rocky Horror' like never before - The Vicksburg Post

‘Antici…pation’: Westside Theatre Foundation presents ‘Rocky Horror’ like never before

Published 8:00 am Thursday, October 13, 2022

: The cast of the "Rocky Horror Show" will perform at the Strand Theatre multiple times throughout the month of October, culminating in a Halloween spectacular. (Photo by Terri Cowart Frazier | The Vicksburg Post)

It has become one of Vicksburg’s most evocative performances — so don’t get left out in the rain for the Westside Theatre Foundation’s most popular production — “The Rocky Horror Show.”

Performances will be offered at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29 with a final 11:59 p.m. showing on Oct. 31, Halloween night, at The Strand Theatre, 717 Clay St.

“The Rocky Horror Show,” written by Richard O’Brien, “spoofs old horror and science fiction movies
including Frankenstein,” said the director of film programming for the WTF, Daniel Boone.

The musical was later adapted into the 1975 film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and through the years, it has attained undeniable cult status, Boone said.

Its popularity in Vicksburg is just as telling.

“Over the years, we’ve done a show here dozens of times that many believed would never play here,” said the director of the WTF, Jack Burns. “(The Rocky Horror Show) is fun and the audience never seems to get tired of this show.”

In addition to being an interactive stage production — audience members are encouraged to join in on the fun — each year the WTF shakes things up with either a new twist on the production or seasoned performers in new roles.

Burns, who has served as narrator of the show many times, has relinquished the role to another actor this year, and every other part, but one, has been recast.

“We used several returning actors from the show, but in different roles, than they had before,” Burns said. “A number of members of the cast of this summer’s production of ‘Into the Woods’ wanted to be in ‘Rocky,’ so casting was a challenge. We ended up building a very strong chorus to accommodate all the talented folks who wanted to participate.”

Taking on Burns’ role as the narrator is Jai Reeves. Others who will be performing in this year’s production are Daniel Boone, Nikki Ciciora, Tori East, Kate Erickson, Zack Erickson, Cameron Gates, Sadie Gates, Kenzie Irons, Renee A. Irons, Jason King, Rayden Landress, Brian T. Sessums, Cindy Veazey and Katrinka M. Wayne.

The stage crew includes Jim Biedenbach, Jack Burns, Reba Causey and Hope King.

“Rocky is outrageous, and definitely not for kids, but this show really belongs to the audience. They seem to love laughing, heckling, throwing things and doing the ‘Time Warp.’ It’s as much a ritual as it is a play,” Burns said.

Burns mentioned it may be time to “move on or at least take a break,” from productions of “The Rocky Horror Show.” Therefore, one may want to make sure to purchase a ticket, which is $20 in advance at the Highway 61 Coffeehouse, 1101 Washington St., or online at https://rockystrand.brownpapertickets.com.

Tickets will also be available at the door for $25.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

More by Terri Cowart