Into the Woods premieres tonight at The Strand Theater

The Westside Theater Foundation (W.T.F.) will be performing Into the Woods Friday night at The Strand Theater.

This summer, members of W.T.F. have been hard at work preparing for this season’s first musical production. Into the Woods, a highly acclaimed Broadway musical, is taking the stage in Vicksburg and will be performed by an entirely local cast. Members of the Theater have been brought together from across the City of Vicksburg, drawn by their love of live theater and being in the spotlight. For the last two months, they’ve rehearsed under the musical direction of Kate Erickson and the production and direction of Jack Burns.

In addition to ensuring that the vocalists are ready to go, Erickson will be performing a lead as well. She has an extensive vocal history and will be making her debut on the Vicksburg stage. Erickson also undertook the musical direction of The Rocky Horror Show in October 2021. Erickson’s husband, Zack Erickson, owner of Key City Brewing, will make his debut as well.

Returning to the stage following success in Little Shop of Horrors as Audrey, seasoned actress and soprano vocalist, Alex Long, will be portraying a lead role as well. Long has graced the stage of the Strand several times and historically leaves her audience raving. She has been in several productions including Sweeney Todd and The Marvellous Wonderettes. Patrick Wallace, who also wowed his fans as the Dentist in Little Shop, will also be making a reappearance.

Local Musician and member of The Devil’s Due band and The Devil’s Duo, Cindy Veazy will be taking the stage to show off her acting skills, in addition to her singing abilities. Veazy has shared her gift of song with the community many times. She’s performed locally with her partner, Eric Fowler and she’s been in productions at the Vicksburg Theater Guild. She will be performing a lead as well.

Other faces taking the stage include last year’s Rocky from The Rocky Horror Show, played by Mike Bilbo. Crorey Lawton will perform with the Foundation again in a lead, Nikki Ciciora returns along with Ashley Schutt who recently starred in A Devil Inside, under the direction of Long. Celeste Constancio who once took the stage for a production of Avenue Q, will be back as well. So will Andrew Cochran, Renee Adcock and her daughter Kenzie Irons, among others.

The cast is lined up for success with many veterans of the stage and beloved local performers. Burns, director and producer and founder of W.T.F, is thrilled to introduce this production to the Foundation.

The performance Friday will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Strand Theater located across from the Trustmark building on Clay Street. Tickets are $25 at the door and $20 in advance online. Snacks and alcoholic drinks will be available at the concession.