A-State Theatre Presents 'Ride the Cyclone' Musical for Six Performances
JONESBORO – Arkansas State University's Department of Theatre will continue the 2024-2025 season with a production of “Ride the Cyclone," a musical with book, music and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell.
Performances in the Fowler Center's Drama Theatre are set for 6:19 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, 22 and 23, along with a 2:30 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, Nov. 17, and Nov. 24.
"Ride the Cyclone" is a musical that takes the audience on an emotional journey with a small Canadian town's high school chamber choir. Tragically perishing in a roller coaster accident, their souls are given a chance to compete for a final prize in a bizarre contest hosted by a mysterious carnival fortune teller. As each member presents their case through song and dance, the musical explores themes of identity, ambition, and the meaning of life, blending dark humor with poignant moments to create a unique and unforgettable theatrical experience.
The cast includes Evan Bishop of Trumann, as Mischa Bachinski; Zane Brewer of Conway, as Ricky Potts; Emma Bryant of Siloam Springs, as Jane Doe; Luke Holt of Jonesboro, as Noel Gruber; Baylor McElhaney of Bauxite, as Ocean O’Connell Rosenburg; Nikolas Stark of Searcy, as The Amazing Karnak; and Mia Williams of Conway, as Constance Eleanor Blackwood. Williams is a community member. Bishop is a double major in theatre and creative sports management, and the others are theatre majors.
The artistic team includes: Brianna Larson, assistant professor of theatre, director and dance choreographer; Angeline Able of Austin serves as costume designer; Caisa Sanburg, associate professor of theatre, is the sound and lighting designer; Jeff McLaughlin, associate professor of theatre, is scenic designer and technical director; Dr. Kristen Sullivan, collaborative voice instructor, is music director; Jace Hahn of Jonesboro is stage manager, assisted by Emalee Gillean of Jonesboro and Sangam Bista of Nepal; and DayDay Robinson, assistant professor of theatre, is fight-the-dialect coach.
The production team includes Jordyn Counts of Paragould and Starke McGehee of Arezzo, Italy, properties masters; Axel Anderson of Drasco, light board operator; Cristal Martinez of Batesville, mix engineer A1; Deanne Flax of Port Arthur, Texas, A2; Judith Bossi of Batesville, A3; Taylor Buckholtz of Russellville and Landon Davis of Paragould, spotlight operators; Lynzee Owens of Clarksville, projections operator; Jo Crites of Alma and Ryan Carr of Bono, wardrobe crew; Max Emery of Newport, Rayleigh Pratt of Clarksville, and Skylar Craig of Bay, backstage crew; Leah Max of Covington, Tenn., house manager; and Zane Brewer of Conway, poster designer.
