"Ride the Cyclone" Review: A Daring Musical Ride of Salvation
In this unconventional yet captivating musical, six high school students, sent to their demise after a rollercoaster accident, must compete for a second chance on Earth. On stage, they're instructed by the enigmatic fortune teller, The Amazing Karnak, who guides them through a thrilling musical odyssey.
As each contestant takes their turn, showcasing a condensed version of their life story through song, the narrative veers away from its initially morbid undertones and celebrates the beauty of human existence. Ocean, the squeaky queen bee, kicks off with an empowering anthem; Noel brings a dreamlike fantasy to the stage, complete with high kicks and corsets; Mischa unleashes a punchy rap that showcases his rebellious spirit; Ricky transforms into a sequin-wearing god in the 70s-inspired "Space Age Bachelor"; Constance discovers her love for life just as it's too late; and Jane Doe performs a haunting aria, searching for an unknown identity.
While the show's structure begins to feel formulaic towards its conclusion, this is a musical that has garnered a devoted fanbase due to its sheer uniqueness. With its daring storytelling and diverse range of musical styles, "Ride the Cyclone" has the potential to soar with a few tweaks to its narrative pacing. For now, it remains a must-see for fans of offbeat theater productions.
In this unconventional yet captivating musical, six high school students, sent to their demise after a rollercoaster accident, must compete for a second chance on Earth. On stage, they're instructed by the enigmatic fortune teller, The Amazing Karnak, who guides them through a thrilling musical odyssey.
As each contestant takes their turn, showcasing a condensed version of their life story through song, the narrative veers away from its initially morbid undertones and celebrates the beauty of human existence. Ocean, the squeaky queen bee, kicks off with an empowering anthem; Noel brings a dreamlike fantasy to the stage, complete with high kicks and corsets; Mischa unleashes a punchy rap that showcases his rebellious spirit; Ricky transforms into a sequin-wearing god in the 70s-inspired "Space Age Bachelor"; Constance discovers her love for life just as it's too late; and Jane Doe performs a haunting aria, searching for an unknown identity.
While the show's structure begins to feel formulaic towards its conclusion, this is a musical that has garnered a devoted fanbase due to its sheer uniqueness. With its daring storytelling and diverse range of musical styles, "Ride the Cyclone" has the potential to soar with a few tweaks to its narrative pacing. For now, it remains a must-see for fans of offbeat theater productions.