SHOWSTOPPERS: Miss Mississippi production underway for 2022 competition – The Vicksburg Post

Candidates competing for the title of Miss Mississippi spend numerous hours making ready for the competitors — however they’re not the one ones placing in work.

These concerned with the manufacturing of the present additionally commit an inordinate period of time readying for the competitors, particularly Nancy Robertson and Jennifer Tillotson, who serves as producer and co-producer, respectively.

The primary order of enterprise within the preparation course of Robertson stated, is developing with a theme, and this 12 months it’s “Journey to the Crown.”

“Jennifer got here up with the theme after which we collaborated on looking for music that might help it,” Robertson stated.

From there, the duo collaborated with André Huff and Ariel Gee, who create the stage designs and lighting used throughout performances.

Robertson stated additionally they work with Vicksburg resident Kimble Slaton.

“We collaborate with Kimble to buy the soundtracks for the music,” Robertson stated, and from there they arrange instances to document a efficiency observe in Slaton’s studio for all of the manufacturing numbers used within the competitors.

Robertson added that these performing within the present obtain the music a number of months prematurely of the Miss Mississippi Competitors to allow them to put together.

Songs carried out on this 12 months’s Miss Mississippi Competitors embrace “Wings” by Little Combine and “Simply Imagine” by Pink Zebra.

“’Wings’ is our opening tune, and the explanation we selected it was as a result of it has catchy lyrics and a beat that may have the viewers members tapping their toes and possibly even feeling the urge to stand up and be a part of the dance,” Tillotson stated.

“Simply Imagine” shall be sung in the course of the night put on section of the competitors by Miss Mississippi 2021 Holly Model and Miss Mississippi 2018 and Miss USA 2020 Asya Department.

Musical choices “Hair within the Air,” “Dance By means of the Day” and “Get Up and Dance” shall be carried out by the Miss Mississippi Belles and Beaus.

Robertson stated Vicksburg resident Taylor Thomas will function choreographer for the manufacturing.

“We’re thrilled past measure to have Taylor becoming a member of the manufacturing as soon as once more as choreographer. Her consideration to element and top-notch expertise in her subject are second to none. She is calm, cool, collected and arranged from each angle of the manufacturing, and he or she makes everybody she meets really feel like royalty,” Robertson stated.

Sam Lovorn would be the choreographer for the Miss Mississippi Belles and Beaus.

Serving as this 12 months’s emcees are Jonathan Brannan, who has hosted the Miss Mississippi Competitors up to now, Tillotson stated, and Miss Mississippi 2002 Jennifer Adcock Pierce.

“We even have some wonderful dancers this 12 months,” Robertson stated.

These performing are Vicksburg resident Kevin Arredondo, Keshon Hicks, Libby Newell and Vicksburg native Molleigh Wallace.

Robertson and Tillotson mixed have been instructing music in Vicksburg Warren College District for 61 years — Robertson has 41 years and Tillotson has 26.

Along with instructing within the public faculty system, they’ve labored with church choirs, Bible faculties and mission journeys. Robertson additionally directed a music camp for youngsters. “Can’t Cease Singing,” for 25 years with Tillotson serving because the pianist.

The pair have been additionally in control of the musical productions at Warren Central Excessive College for shut to twenty years.

Robertson and Tillotson said that producing the Miss Mississippi Competitors is similar to producing the highschool musicals.

“The one distinction is that not solely do we’ve to direct and stage the manufacturing, however we even have to put in writing it, rehearse it with gamers unfold out all around the state, and produce all of it collectively in a single brief week as a substitute of 9 weeks,” Robertson stated. “That’s fairly a problem, however an entire lot of enjoyable once you see all of it come collectively.”

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the household moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Submit and is the editor of the Vicksburg Residing Journal, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Affiliation. She has additionally been the recipient of a First Place award within the MPA’s Higher Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Finest Function Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central Excessive College and Mississippi State College the place she obtained a bachelor’s diploma in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Previous to coming to work at The Submit just a little greater than 10 years in the past, she did some freelancing on the Jackson Free Press. However for many of her life, she loved being a full-time keep at dwelling mother.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Avenue United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a previous member of the Sampler Vintage Membership and City and Nation Backyard Membership. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying knowledgeable with native governmental points to listening to the tales of its individuals, a hometown newspaper is significant to a neighborhood. I’ve felt privileged to be a part of a devoted staff at The Submit all through my tenure and hope that with theirs and with native help, I will proceed to develop and hone in on my abilities as I assist share the tales in Vicksburg. When requested what I like most about my job, my reply is all the time ‘the individuals.’

Extra by Terri Cowart