Latest News
September 9, 2019

Mon River Arts prepares for ‘Rocky Horror Show’

By Mon Valley Independent

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

As Mon River Arts prepares for its upcoming production of “The Rocky Horror Show,” director Ray Cygrymus confessed to the cast that while he has seen the movie dozens of times and performed in the show once, he has never actually seen the live production.

“I’ve been a big fan of the show — the movie — since I was in my early 20s,” Cygrymus said.

The 14-member cast began musical rehearsals a week or so ago, but met their theatrical director for the first time Sunday evening. Cygrymus has served as the director at Peters Township High School for the past seven years, but this is his first production with Mon River Arts.

“We are going to pay homage to the original movie because it’s such an iconic film,” Cygrymus said. “We hope to have a really fun time so when people leave the theater they feel like they’ve been part of the show.”

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Tuesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.

EF students urged to learn from examples set by veterans
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
November 12, 2025
Lt. Comm. Rick Elster was the guest speaker at the Veterans Day event. History is not just something in textbooks, but rather real people — neighbors who have protected our freedoms throughout the yea...
Donora’s AP Delsandro Veterans Memorial rededicated
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
November 12, 2025
More than a decade of planning went into the project, which was celebrated on Veterans Day. Under a cold, gray sky the sounds of a single bagpipe drifted through Donora as people walked together down ...
Teen flown to hospital after being shot in the head
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
November 12, 2025
Monessen schools are holding a flexible instruction day in response to the incident. A 16-year-old is in UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh after being shot in the head Tuesday afternoon in Moness...
MVI sales rep Rob Hammond dies at 75
Death Notices, Latest News, Main
November 12, 2025
He was instrumental in the paper’s expansion into McKeesport and other Mon Valley communities. By the MVI A beloved member of the Mon Valley Independent newspaper team passed away Monday. MVI sales re...
Musical tribute to veterans at McKeesport Area High School
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
November 12, 2025
Choir, band and orchestra students presented a variety of patriotic songs. McKeesport Area School District students displayed their range of musical talents while expressing gratitude to area veterans...
Vehicle crash in Rostraver Township
Latest News, Main
November 12, 2025
Rostraver Township Fire Department responded to a vehicle accident Tuesday night on the 1200 block of Rostraver Road. The occupants of the car were evaluated by Rostraver West Newton EMS. Rostraver To...