A Beautiful Dream of Life 

Ride the Cyclone

Being original has a lot going for it in the 21st century, since everything old, as they say, is new again. Nowadays a brand-new show that’s not a jukebox musical, a biographical retrospective about a famous singer featuring his entire songbook, or a musicalized retelling of a novel, movie or even another play, is a real cause for celebration. This wonderful 90-minute musical, that’s actually been around for 15 years, is as unique as it is both funny and heartbreaking. And, unless a theatergoer has seen this show in its American premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, or more recently at Washington D.C.’s Arena Stage, it may be a new musical adventure for them.

So, what’s this musical all about? A roller coaster called The Cyclone at a Canadian amusement park malfunctions and six high school students from a small town are all tragically killed. The teenagers eventually accept that they’re in Purgatory, teetering between life and death. They learn that one of the teenagers will be given a chance to return to the world of the living, after pleading their case in a musical number. The other five kids will remain resting in eternal peace.  It’s like “American Idol” but with higher stakes. This dark musical reminds me of “Cats,” combined with the youthful competition and interaction found in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” But it’s entirely original, unique and a fresh, much welcomed addition to the musical theatre canon.

 The creative Canadian team of Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell are responsible for writing this original musical that’s peppered with perky, contemporary dialogue and unique, catchy rock songs. Lauren Berman (“Island Song”), the Producer/Director of 4 Chairs Theatre, helms this latest Chicagoland production, after securing the rights three long years ago. Then Covid hit and the world shut down live theatre everywhere. At long last, “Ride the Cyclone” is being presented in Lake Forest, and the wait was well worthwhile. 

Ms. Berman has carefully cast and skillfully directed her talented actors in a production that’s as thrilling as a day at nearby Six Flags Great America. With superb musical direction and accompaniment by Anna Wegener and her talented, five-member onstage band, as well as some terrific, spirited choreography provided by Abby Boegh, this is a polished production worthy of a ride up the North Shore to Lake Forest. “Ride the Cyclone” is alternately very funny and deeply poignant. It’s an exhilarating and emotional roller coaster ride of theatre that continues to captivate and haunt both teen and adult audiences alike. With the show’s supernatural atmosphere, it’s become a big hit with younger theatergoers, particularly through many short musical clips posted on Tik Tok. The show’s finally achieved cult status with Generation Z and, as the opening number goes, is a beautiful “Dream of Life” come true.

Bob Pinta’s ghostly, amusement park-inspired setting, is dominated by deteriorating lighted sign advertising the roller coaster ride that derailed and killed the young choir kids.  Positioned downstage left is a mysterious-looking booth that houses The Amazing Karnak, one of those automated fortunetelling robots. This eerie automaton emcees and narrates the story while interacting with the other characters. All-knowing and almost god-like, the character is brought to life by the creepy characterization and dulcet delivery of Ian Rigg.

Lauren Berman’s ensemble cast is both likable and gifted. A cunning, competitive overachiever,  Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg is played with passion by Kristin Brintnall. This peppy powerhouse was last seen in Drury Lane and Mercury Theater’s “Little Shop of Horrors.” Ocean’s attitude toward the other characters alternates between guardianship and gall, as shown through her musical numbers, “The Other Side” and “Every Story’s Got a Lesson.”

 Rebecca Husk, who serves as associate board vice president at A Red Orchid Theatre, is wonderful as Constance Blackwood, the kindly, lovable teenager who harbors something unknown about herself. Constance finally divulges this secret in her 11th hour, show-stopping rock number, “Sugarcloud.” Ms. Husk’s reactions to Jane Doe are hilarious; and she humorously fawns over Ocean because the girl claims that Constance is her BFF. However, we can see that she’s just using her. Deep down inside, this lonely teenager is simply a young lady from a small town who wants to be respected, loved and heard. 

Jacob Belovicz plays closeted gay teenager, Noel Gruber. The actor balances crankiness with a deep caring, as they play a small town kid whose fantasized self-image is a Marlena Dietrich-inspired Blue Angel. Belovicz is captivating in their production number entitled “Noel’s Lament.” Jacob shows Noel’s genuine kindness toward his friends with a fierce fashion sense. And handsome Caden Marshall is excellent as bad boy Misha Bachinski, the Ukrainian-born teenager who immigrated to a small Canadian town. His authentic-sounding dialect, burning hot physique, sexy dance moves and finely trained voice make Misha’s heartfelt “This Song is Awesome” and “Talia” all that more beautiful.

Joel Arreola is not only hilarious but incredibly heartbreaking as Ricky Potts. He plays a shy teenager that his peers thought was mute, simply because, in life, the boy had nothing important to say. But in this Land of Limbo Ricky suddenly finds his voice again. Mr. Arreola demonstrates to his friends and the audience that he’s got all the right moves in his rockin’ number, “Space Age Bachelor Man.” The talented young actor takes centerstage in a sci fi production number that truly brings down the house (kudos to Victoria Jablonski for all of her creative costumes). Of the characters in this musical, Ricky shows the most care and empathy toward his fellow victims, and his face tells us everything about what’s in this kid’s heart. 

But perhaps the most beautiful and memorably-played character in this production is created by Aurora University graduate, Michaela Dukes. This beautiful young actress is absolutely mesmerizing as Jane Doe, the unidentified, innocent young girl who, as we learn in the show’s first moments, was decapitated in the roller coaster accident. Since her remains were never claimed, the teenager wanders alone through this ghostly carnival landscape without knowing her identity. Jane sadly carries a headless toy effigy in her arms. Her head has been replaced by a life-size doll’s head, creepy and expressionless, with a penetrating stare that sees into the hearts of her fellow victims. With her lovely, soulful voice, Ms. Dukes is the center of this story, and her “Ballad of Jane Doe” is performed with honesty and a crystal clarity that is shattering and gorgeous.

Worth the wait, 4 Chairs’ production of “Ride the Cyclone” is a polished production that deserves to be seen. It has so much to say about living life to the fullest everyday and making each minute count. The connections that develop between the six characters and the sacrifice made in the final moments make this a story well worth enjoying. The audiences have been filled with young theatergoers, not only from the Chicago area, but many who have driven from Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Iowa to see this new cult classic that they’ve come to know on Tik Tok. And I know they weren’t disappointed—it’s that good. 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas                  

Presented February 17-25 by 4 Chairs Theatre in the John and Nancy Hughes Theater at the Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL.

Tickets may be purchased at the door, by calling 847-533-7488  or by going to www.4chairstheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.