Ride the Cyclone
Awards and Recognition
- CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
- OCR RECOMMENDED Orange Curtain Review
- OCTG Recommended
Reviewer Quotes
OC Register
Broadway World
“ a couldn’t-be-better cast of multitalented up-and-comers ”
StageSceneLA
On the Cripe Stage…
When life goes off the rails, we discover what really matters.
Strap yourself in for a bracingly funny, supremely inventive musical journey with more twists and turns than the rickety rollercoaster that sends six teenagers prematurely into the afterlife. Now trapped in a fantastical carnival-like purgatory, a mechanical fortune teller invites the teens to tell their stories of life interrupted with the promise of a prize like no other – the chance to return to life. Already being lauded as a contemporary musical masterpiece, this quirky, smart, and darkly hilarious show reveals the resilience of the human spirit with a riveting score that skillfully mixes cabaret, hip-hop, and Broadway.
NOTE: This show contains strong language and mature themes.
Nominated for 2 LADCC Awards Ensemble (Jaylen Baham, Em Flosi, Rob Foran, Em Flosi, Jared Machado, Rose Pell, and Haley Wolff) and Costume Design (Bradley Allen Lock)
Nominated for 15 OCTG Theatre AwardsOutstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Jocelyn A. Brown), Outstanding Music Direction (Lex Leigh), Outstanding Choreography (Miguel Cardenas), Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical (Em Flosi, Haley Wolff, Jared Machado, Rose Pell, Wyatt Hatfield), Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical, Outstanding Scenic Design (Antonio Beach & Bradley Kaye), Outstanding Costume Design (Bradley Allen Lock), Outstanding Lighting Design (Masako Tobaru), Outstanding Sound Design (Rebecca Kessin), and Outstanding Projection and Video Design (Nick Santiago)
**OCTG RECOMMENDED**
“Heading up this joy ride’s honor roll is director Jocelyn A. Brown. A 20-years-plus company resident artist who has directed and/or acted in dozens of productions over the years, she rivets, not rattles, the bones of this show into a staging of precise and concise fun.”
OC Register“A kooky yet surprisingly poignant thrill ride, RIDE THE CYCLONE is not the expected moody or macabre musical about death, but, rather, an amusing, really zany show that basks in its delightful eccentricity, while also walloping us with all the feels as it cleverly peels away its characters’ more harrowing layers.”
Broadway World“musical theatre fans of all ages will be thrilled by this unique ride… taking the audience on an emotional roller coaster ride that ends in pure satisfaction.”
Stage and Cinema“Wolff’s cheerleader-rific Ocean, Hatfield’s swish-a-licious Noel, and Machado’s rap-tastic Mischa are matched in talent and charisma by Baham’s adorably geeky Ricky, Flosi’s high-note-hitting oddball of a Jane Doe, and Pell’s lively, life lessons-learning Constance, with Foran ably providing running commentary and dire horoscopes throughout.”
StageSceneLA“Flosi is equally eerie and operatic in their delivery and has a voice that makes you take notice.”
The Orange Curtain Review“the surprising and thunderstruck show was knocked out of the park last Saturday night by a superlative high-octane cast in a production that’s as thrilling as any Broadway experience.”
The Show Report
Executive Producer
Robert Berman
Associate Producer Susan Bowman & Freddie Greenfield, Elizabeth Jones, and Laurie Smits Staude
Season Producers
Bette & Wylie Aitken
Associate Season Producer The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar
Show artwork designed by KC Wilkerson, kcwdigital.com.
Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center
- Full-Service Bar
- Free Parking
- Conveniently Located
See the show? Share your experience with us...
At a Glance
- Approximate Running Time:
- 1 hour, 30 minutes with no intermissions
- Special Notes:
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- Post-show discussion after each performance
- Join us for Opening Night as a Gold Member.
- Babes in arms and children under 4 are not permitted.
- 30% off for groups of 10 or more.
- Pay-What-You-Can Preview Performances (Sold Out)
I just watched the final show tonight. Instant 10/10, the energy in the crowd was amazing. Everything was just so good and it was so funny when the actor was hit in the face with the arms. Thank you so much for this show! I hope to see more in the future!
omg!!! this musical is literally the best, 100% recommend if you like dark twists and turns with some energetic stuff! I took a pic w noel and Mischa, you both were really incredible, especially everyone! I definitely cried during talia, sugar cloud, and it’s not a game/it’s just a ride. 1000000/10 musical. I was wearing the brown vest, jeans w flare, and a white long sleeve shirt!! I was trying to go as the og noel but really couldn’t. Also I kind of noticed that Jane was a bit off, I don’t know if that was in character or not, but it was really good! definitely check out this musical! <3 sending love and best wishes!!
-bee (also if u want u can follow me idk it's @literallybee)
haven’t been to the Chance in a while. Was really impressed with the production level. From the set/lighting/tech design to the level of the ensemble….it was more than I expected. I’m bringing two people with me to see it again on Sunday. Well done!
The costumes, the actors, the scenery all amazing! If I could score above a 5 I would! Everyone was so real, and I look forward to seeing the talented artists in the future at the Performing Arts and on Broadway! Well done! My daughter loved the show so much she is returning next weekend and bringing a group of friends! I am emailing everyone I know, because I don’t want them to miss such an incredible opportunity! Very cliche, but…a MUST see!
I loved everything about the Cyclone. Acting, Singing, Staging, Set & costuming all Superior!
This was an EXCELLENT show and the cast is so talented. They had to be on the entire time since it’s such a small cast and they all brought it!
It was jaw-droppingly amazing. I sobbed from happiness by the end of the show. This is legitimately my favorite show and I was so happy to see it live!
RTC blew my mind!! What a talented cast and crew. Keep making art like this please.
I went into this show mostly blind. I knew there was a huge following of the show, but knew almost nothing about it! I love seeing a new show like that – and being happily surprised by the entire production. The cast was universally strong, the set was gorgeous, the lighting and visual effects were really nice. I have told multiple people about it and to grab a ticket for the extended weekend if at all possible!
Ride the Cyclone is my favorite musical and honestly I was having the time of my life watching the performance I laughed I cried I felt so many emotions and emotional rollercoaster if I might add! I felt like the actors really connected with the audience and put everything into their craft! It was so nice to have an opportunity to talk to the cast! I really loved hearing how they created their characters! And honestly I do theatre myself and definitely want to audition in the future!
This was 90 minutes of ‘AWESOMENESS’ Amazing talent as the actors were outstanding. Beautiful voices and work together. Glad to be back enjoying live theater.
Worth the trip down from the Bay Area! Cozy theater, stellar talent, completely engrossing wild ride of a show!
Not knowing what to expect, I took my 14-year-old daughter because she loves the play, and it ended up being an unforgettable night. The actors were excellent, and their voices beautiful. We were so swept up that at times we didn’t notice costume changes happening on stage simply because we were enthralled by the primary performer of that particular number. We loved the space, the set, the sound, the costumes, all of it. We laughed and we cried. Call it the power of art or a great live performance, whichever, but we went to see a play and left with a cherished memory. That is a very special gift. I can’t say enough good things. Thank you.
My daughter loves this musical and thought it was performed perfectly. I loved it as well. We came Oceanside just to see the show, and we will be back for others. Great job! Loved the small theatre experience
We loved seeing the actors after the show and getting to ask questions. My son said it’s the best show he’s ever seen. My daughter and I loved it too!
What a great cast and production! I have seats for the Opening Night and Director’s Dinner but couldn’t wait so we attended the first preview on Friday, 1/27/23. We are also proudly sponsoring Jared Machado in his role of Misha. While I was so impressed with his solo (This Song is Awesome/Talia) and was ready to hoot and holler but was struck silent because of the video shot of the bombing of Ukraine at the conclusion of Talia. I don’t understand how that could possibly be part of Misha’s “dream”. I think the projection was out of place and really distracted from the display of the romantic/passion side of Misha. I felt bad for Jared who really did a fantastic job!! Thanks for listening.