Taylor Louderman has exited MCC Theater’s production of the new musical Ride the Cyclone, citing creative differences. The star made the announcement via Twitter November 23; MCC had no official comment but confirmed that the role of Ocean O'Connell Rosenberg will now be played by Tiffany Tatreau for the remainder of the run.
— Taylor Louderman (@taylizlou) November 24, 2016
Billed as “part tragedy, part comedy,” Ride the Cyclone tells the story of a high school choir that boards a faulty roller coaster with tragic results. Performances began November 9 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre with an official opening night now set for November 30. The engagement is scheduled to continue through December 18.
Ride the Cyclone features a book, music, and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. Rachel Rockwell, who helmed the U.S. debut last year at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, directs the New York premiere for MCC. Tatreau, who has stepped in to replace Louderman, also starred in the Chicago production; other credits include Griffin Theatre’s Bat Boy, and Marriott Theatre’s Sister Act and Spring Awakening.
The cast also features original Chicago cast members Lillian Castillo, Karl Hamilton, Emily Rohm, and Kholby Wardell, as well as Deaf West’s Spring Awakening star Alex Wyse, Gus Halper, The Last Ship’s Johnny Newcomb, and Peter and the Starcatcher’s Emily Walton.
“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,“ read MCC production notes. “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.“
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.
