Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents the U.S. Premiere of Ride the Cyclone

The Canadian hit Ride the Cyclone starts performances in America this evening at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

A mixture of comedy and tragedy, the show tells the story of six teenagers from the St. Cassian chamber choir, who die in a freak accident aboard a doomed roller coaster. The Amazking Karnak, a mechanical fortune-teller, however, offers each teenager to compete for a second chance at life. Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg, the straight-A overachiever and high school class president; Constance Blackwood, "the nicest girl in homeroom"; Noel Gruber, the unfulfilled dreamer; Mischa Bachinski, the handsome Ukranian bad boy; Ricky Potts, who is desperate to unlock his inner potential; and Jane Doe, a mysterious choir girl whom nobody seems to remember, all go head-to-head for the chance to return to life. The score includes pop, glam rock, Brechtian cabaret, and rap, as it shares the story with humor, irreverence, and tragedy.

The musical was created by Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond, but the American presentation has been further developed by Rick Boynton. The piece is choreographed and directed by Rachel Rockwell, with a cast that features Tiffany Tatreau as Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg, Lillian Castillo as Constance Blackwood, Kholby Wardell as Noel Gruber, Russell Mernagh as Mischa Bachinksi, Jackson Evans as Ricky Potts, Emily Rohm as Jane Doe, and Karl Hamilton as the Amazing Karnak.

"The development of new work is essential to Chicago Shakespeare — whether it’s adapting a classic as we did with the new musical of Sense and Sensibility or adapting Othello into hip-hop with the Q Brothers," said Boynton. "We are thrilled to contribute to the journey of this piece, and share storytelling that is so unique, so fresh."

The creative team includes Michael Kaish (associate music director), Ericka Mac (associate director/choreographer), Scott Davis (scenic design), Greg Hofmann (lighting design), Mike Tutaj (projection design), Palmer Jankens (sound designer), and Theresa Ham and Melissa Veal (costume and wig design).

Performances will run through November 8.

For tickets and more information, click here.