Ride the Cyclone is an innovative and genre-defying musical that explores the meaning of life—and death—through the lens of a tragic amusement park accident. Combining dark comedy, musical theater, absurdist storytelling, and moments of raw emotional truth, it has become a cult favorite among theater enthusiasts and critics alike.
Developed by Canadian playwright Jacob Richmond and composer Brynne Dunsmore (now Brooke Maxwell), the musical invites audiences into a world that is both haunting and hilarious, charming and chilling. Through catchy songs, quirky characters, and existential questions, Ride the Cyclone provides a theatrical experience that’s as unforgettable as its premise.
Origins and Development
The Canadian Beginnings
Ride the Cyclone was originally conceived in Victoria, British Columbia, where Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell developed it with Atomic Vaudeville, a local theater company. The show premiered in 2008 in Victoria and rapidly gained traction through word-of-mouth and critical acclaim.
Its early productions in Canada established a solid foundation, earning praise for its originality and balance of humor with pathos.
Transition to International Stages
The musical made its U.S. debut in Chicago in 2015, followed by an off-Broadway run at MCC Theater in New York City in 2016. It has since been performed in regional theaters, schools, and universities across North America.
Despite never reaching Broadway, it has built a devoted cult following, bolstered by cast recordings, social media buzz, and viral fan content.
Plot Summary
Premise
The story centers around six teenagers from the St. Cassian Chamber Choir in Saskatchewan, Canada, who tragically perish in a roller coaster accident while on a field trip. As they find themselves in a surreal limbo, they are greeted by The Amazing Karnak, a fortune-telling animatronic machine, who offers one of them the chance to return to life.
To determine who deserves that chance, each teen must share their story through song and performance, revealing their desires, regrets, and dreams.
Characters and Songs
The Amazing Karnak
- Role: Narrator and orchestrator of the “game.”
- Description: A mechanical fortune teller who guides the teens through the storytelling process.
- Tone: Dry, sarcastic, omniscient.
Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg
- Song: What the World Needs
- Personality: Overachieving, competitive, and self-righteous.
- Arc: Learns humility and the limits of ambition.
Mischa Bachinski
- Song: This Song is Awesome
- Personality: Ukrainian adoptee with a tough exterior.
- Arc: Reveals emotional depth and longing for love through his romantic side.
Noel Gruber
- Song: Noel’s Lament
- Personality: The only gay student in his small town, theatrical and dramatic.
- Arc: Imagines a different, glamorous life in Paris as a gender-bending prostitute à la French noir.
Ricky Potts
- Song: Space Age Bachelor Man
- Personality: Mute in life due to illness, but imaginative and heroic in death.
- Arc: Finds his voice and shares his vivid sci-fi fantasy world.
Constance Blackwood
- Song: Sugarcloud
- Personality: Kind-hearted and supportive; overlooked in life.
- Arc: Discovers her own worth and inner power.
Jane Doe
- Song: Ballad of Jane Doe
- Personality: Mysterious, headless, and nameless.
- Arc: Searches for identity and meaning beyond death.
Themes and Motifs
Life, Death, and the Unknown
At its core, Ride the Cyclone is a meditation on mortality. It doesn’t offer easy answers but instead examines the randomness and fragility of life, asking:
- What defines a life well-lived?
- How do we find meaning in the face of loss?
- What legacy do we leave behind?
Identity and Self-Expression
Each character represents a facet of teenage identity, from queerness and insecurity to ambition and disability. Their solo performances serve as both confession and catharsis, providing insight into who they were and who they hoped to become.
Humor and Tragedy
The musical excels in balancing macabre humor with genuine emotion. Despite its grim premise, it is filled with joyous, absurd, and uplifting moments that challenge traditional notions of what a “musical about death” should be.
Music and Style
Eclectic Soundtrack
The musical’s score is a blend of:
- Pop
- Rap
- Electro-funk
- Ballad
- Operatic and avant-garde influences
Each character’s song is stylistically unique, reflecting their individual voice and personality.
Notable Songs
- What the World Needs
- This Song Is Awesome
- Noel’s Lament
- Space Age Bachelor Man
- Ballad of Jane Doe
- Sugarcloud
- It’s Just a Ride
The final song, It’s Just a Ride, serves as the musical’s thematic heart—a poignant reflection on embracing life with all its unpredictability.
Reception and Impact
Critical Acclaim
While some critics were initially skeptical of the show’s unusual premise, most have praised it for:
- Inventive storytelling
- Strong character development
- Unique blend of dark humor and hope
It holds high audience ratings on platforms like StageAgent, TheaterMania, and Show-Score.
Cult Following
Like Be More Chill and Heathers, Ride the Cyclone found much of its success through online fandoms, TikTok trends, and fan-made content. Its quirky aesthetic, emotional depth, and shareable songs have made it a favorite among teens and young adults.
Ride the Cyclone vs. Other Musicals
| Feature | Ride the Cyclone | Be More Chill | Dear Evan Hansen | Heathers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theme | Death, identity | Social pressure, AI | Grief, connection | Teenage rebellion |
| Tone | Dark comedy | Sci-fi coming-of-age | Emotional realism | Satirical horror |
| Fan Culture | Cult-like following | Viral fandom | Broadway mainstream | Underground favorite |
| Musical Style | Eclectic | Electronic/Pop | Contemporary pop | Rock/80s vibes |
Educational and Academic Interest
Use in School Productions
Despite its dark humor, Ride the Cyclone is popular in high school and college theater departments for its:
- Small cast size (6–8)
- Balanced roles and solos
- Accessible musical styles
- Strong emotional and dramatic arcs
Philosophical Inquiry
The musical is also discussed in academic settings for its treatment of:
- Existentialism
- Postmodern identity
- The human response to death and absurdity
Licensing and Accessibility
Where to Watch or Perform
- Licensing: Available through Broadway Licensing / Playscripts, Inc.
- Official recordings: Original Cast Recording (2015) and highlights on streaming platforms.
- Live performances: Frequently staged at community theaters and academic institutions.
Merchandise and Fandom
From posters and pins to cosplay and TikTok edits, the Ride the Cyclone fandom is incredibly active online. Fans often:
- Create fan art and animations
- Write character backstories
- Debate the morality and outcome of the musical’s final choice
The fandom is also known for its welcoming, inclusive community, especially among LGBTQ+ theater fans.
Conclusion
Ride the Cyclone is a musical unlike any other. With its blend of dark humor, profound introspection, and musical brilliance, it offers both entertainment and emotional resonance. Each character’s story invites the audience to reflect on their own identity, dreams, and mortality.
It’s not just a musical about death—it’s a celebration of the messy, beautiful chaos of being alive. Through laughter, tears, and unforgettable melodies, Ride the Cyclone invites us to accept the uncertainty of life with open hearts and open minds.
Because, as the final song reminds us: It’s just a ride.
FAQs
1. Is Ride the Cyclone appropriate for teens?
Yes, with guidance. While it deals with themes of death and identity, it’s often performed in schools. It contains some dark humor but no graphic content.
2. What makes Ride the Cyclone unique?
Its format—each character has a solo “audition” to come back to life—makes it part anthology, part character study, with eclectic musical styles and surreal staging.
3. Who wrote Ride the Cyclone?
The book was written by Jacob Richmond, with music and lyrics by Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. It was originally produced by Atomic Vaudeville in Canada.
4. Has Ride the Cyclone been on Broadway?
No, but it had a successful off-Broadway run in 2016 and remains popular in regional and academic theaters.
5. What is the message of Ride the Cyclone?
It explores the fragility of life and the importance of authentic self-expression, accepting fate, and appreciating the ride—no matter how short or unexpected.
6. Where can I listen to the music?
The official Cast Recording is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, featuring standout tracks like Ballad of Jane Doe and Noel’s Lament.
