The MCC Theater production of the new Off-Broadway musical Ride the Cyclone opened November 30 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Billed as “part tragedy, part comedy,” it tells the story of a high school choir that boards a faulty roller coaster with tragic results.
The original musical by Canadian writers Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell arrives in New York following a U.S. premiere last fall at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, where it earned strong reviews from The Chicago Tribune and The New York Times. Broadway producer Kevin McCollum is attached to the production.
Here’s how it’s described: “The Saint Cassian High School Chamber Choir will board the Cyclone roller coaster at 8:17 PM. At 8:19 the front axle will break, sending them to their tragic demise. A mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell the story of a life interrupted - with the promise of a prize like no other. Ride the Cyclone is a wildly original new musical - part comedy, part tragedy, and wholly unexpected.”
Rachel Rockwell directs a cast of young talent that includes Lillian Castillo, Karl Hamilton, Emily Rohm, Kholby Wardell, Tiffany Tatreau, Alex Wyse, Gus Halper, Johnny Newcomb, and Emily Walton.
New York critics are now filing their reviews. Check back for updates.
The Hollywood Reporter (David Rooney)
The New York Times (Charles Isherwood)
Time Out New York (David Cote)
The engagement is scheduled to continue through December 18.
Ride the Cyclone features scenic design by Scott Davis, costume design by Theresa Ham, lighting by Greg Hofmann, sound by Garth Helm, and projections by Mike Tutaj. Musical supervision is by Doug Peck with musical direction by Remy Kurs.
For tickets and more information visit mcctheater.org.
