by Chris Peterson
Last Spring, the Essex Community Players canceled its production of The Rocky Horror Show after receiving threatening messages directed at members of its team.
Police now say the person behind those messages was the production’s own musical director.
According to the Essex Police Department, Kenneth Grenier, reported receiving threatening and harassing texts connected to the Vermont community theatre production. Investigators traced the virtual phone numbers used to send those messages to an IP address registered to Grenier’s home. Police say Grenier then admitted that he had created the account and sent the messages to himself.
The alleged reason is almost as unbelievable as the scheme itself.
Police say Grenier wanted to use concerns about his personal safety as a reason to leave the production rather than admit that he was having difficulties with members of the cast and crew. He has been cited to answer a misdemeanor charge of making false reports to law enforcement authorities. The matter has been referred to the Chittenden County Community Justice Center.
The production had been rehearsing for roughly 12 weeks and was scheduled to run from April 17 through May 2. After canceling the production, they posted the following statement on their social media.
“We have received a few questions about the unforeseen circumstances we mentioned regarding the cancellation of The Rocky Horror Show on Friday, 04/03/2026.
Just to clarify, threats were made against our production that are currently under investigation by the Essex Police Department. We hope for a swift resolution. In the meantime, a joint decision was made by the production team and the board that, to ensure the safety of everyone concerned, we could not proceed with the production.
We are extremely saddened by this turn of events. Our theater community must remain vibrant, inclusive, and, above all, joyful.”
