The musical “Ride the Cyclone” follows the chilling story of six high school choir students whose lives are cut short in a rollercoaster accident.
The show is a cult favorite and a TikTok phenomenon. It premieres March 26 at Theatre on the Ridge in Paradise and runs through April 12.
With music direction by Tamara Allspaugh, the production explores each choir member suspended in limbo as they compete for a final chance at a second life.
“I fell in love with the fantasy of it, because already in my mind, I could see all these wonderful images and opportunities to have real fun with the look and the world that we create in the show,” Director Jerry Miller said.
“Being able to process through grief on my own while playing a character who experiences death herself has been pretty cathartic, honestly, and has been a really great thing to get to experience.”- Alyssa Jade, actress
The play unfolds as a competition of sorts, where each participant narrates their personal history. Miller says the format allows the audience to understand their backgrounds and identities.
“The world keeps changing as each individual is so different in their worldview, and their stories are so individual that it allows you to create different feelings, spaces and imagery for each character,” Miller said.
While the musical is highly charming, it explores themes – such as the fragility of life and finding meaning in death – that can be difficult for some viewers.
Miller said the production also offers glimmers of hope and a sense of justice.
“And I find it very touching, and though we play with the darkness, it emerges into light, both metaphorically and literally,” Miller said.
Actress and local theatre maven Alyssa Jade plays the kind and considerate Constance. The character learns to appreciate life despite often being overlooked. Her affection for her hometown also puts her at odds with her peers.
“I think it's a beautiful portrayal of how we can, especially as young people, learn to process what death can mean for us,” Jade said.
Jade said the role hits close to home. After landing the part, she suffered a loss of her own.
“Being able to process through grief on my own while playing a character who experiences death herself has been pretty cathartic, honestly, and has been a really great thing to get to experience,” Jade said.
Jade is hopeful that audiences will leave the production with a greater appreciation for life.
“I hope that they come out of it being so happy that they're alive in a space where you're accepted for who you are, and it's totally okay to be scared and to be uncertain about what life you're living,” Jade said.
Written by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, the musical first premiered in Victoria, British Columbia, in 2009.
