Ride the Cyclone Program

Music and Book by Jacob Richmond & Brooke Maxwell Directed by Magdalene Spanuello

Feb. 5-6 | 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 7 | 3 p.m.

Pre-Recorded Broadway OnDemand

acts Dream of Life Opening............................................................................Jane Doe Uranium............................................................................................................Kids Minor Turn........................................................................................................Kids The Other Side..................................................................................................Kids Jane Doe’s Entrance....................................................................... Jane, Ensemble What the World Needs...............................................................Ocean, Ensemble That F*cked Up Girl......................................................................Noel, Ensemble Every Story’s Got a Lesson.........................................................Ocean, Ensemble This Song is Awesome............................................................. Mischa, Ensemble Space Age Bachelor Man............................................................. Ricky, Ensemble The Ballad of Jane Doe.......................................................... Jane Doe, Ensemble The New Birthday Song.........................Ocean, Ricky, Mischa, Noel, Constance Jawbreaker/Sugarcloud.......................................................Constance, Ensemble Sailing Through Space Reprise.......................................................................Kids It’s Just a Ride...................................................................................................Kids Bows.........................................................................................................Company

cast and crew cast The Amazing Karnak.................................................... Massimo Manfredini Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg............................................... Christine Barreca Mischa Bachinski................................................................Matthew Wrbanek Noel Gruber....................................................................................Tyler Meyer Ricky Potts...................................................................................... Nate Myers Constance Blackwood.............................................................Ashley Veltman Jane Doe....................................................................................... Anna Brown

production team Director................................................................................Magdalene Spanuello Assistant Director.................................................................. Sareena L. Volkman Music Director/ Accompanist................................................Melissa Cardamone Assistant Music Director....................................................................Anna Brown Choreographer......................................................................................Mijiang He Production Manager/Recording Assistant..........................................Emily Carr Cinematographer/Sound Engineer................................................. Asmau Diallo Recording Assistant.................................................................Dimitri Shapovalov Percussion..............................................................................................Justin Hall Stage Carpenter.................. Slim Simonini of Inspired Carpentry and Painting Costume Design............................................................. Tyler Meyer, Nate Myers Properties Design..........................................Christine Barreca, Ashley Veltman Set/Lighting Design............................Matthew Wrbanek, Massimo Manfredini Stand-in for Jane Doe...................................................................... Caitlin Preuss

special thanks Tommy Novak Mark Bracken Emily Rohm Rachel Rockwell Dimitri Shapovalov Caitlin Preuss

cast biographies Christine Barreca (Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg): Christine is a senior Music Theatre major and Dance minor and is thrilled to have this show be a part of her senior thesis capstone. Previous mainstage shows include PUFFS (Megan Jones), THE HANDBOOK (Vicky), FLORA THE RED MENACE (Maggie), and the RESONATE dance shows. Music Theatre Workshop productions include SWEET CHARITY, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, and HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS…. She is excited to be a part of the spring mainstage musical WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, and is very thankful for the opportunity to share some theatre magic.

Ashley Veltman (Constance Blackwood): Ashley is a senior Music Theater major. She feels very blessed to be able to do theater during this time. Performing in this production is a part of her senior thesis. Previous shows at Carthage include THE HANDBOOK, FIGHTING FOR HOME, and PUFFS on the Mainstage, and Music Theater Workshop productions of SWEET CHARITY, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, ADDAMS FAMILY, MY REAL MOTHER, and scene work from FUN HOME. She wants to thank the incredible film and sound crew for helping us share this production with people. Enjoy the show!

Nate Myers (Ricky Potts) is a sophomore Music Theatre and Music Composition double major. Previously Nate was seen in the Carthage studio theatre as Jared in BODY AWARENESS and a performing understudy as Footnote/Fetus Two/Samuel in SMOKEFALLl. Nate has also recently been seen as Wayne Hopkins in the Carthage mainstage show, PUFFS. Outside of that Nate is currently set to perform as Big Stone in the mainstage production of EURYDICE this season. Nate’s other recent credits include, George in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, Chad in ALMOST MAINE, and Crutchie in NEWSIES. Nate would like to thank the incredible team that put this show together. It was a blast from start to finish and took a lot of hands on work!

Tyler Meyer (Noel Gruber) is a junior Musical Theater & Marketing double major. Tyler has previously appeared in numerous Musical Theater Workshops at Carthage College. His appearances include SWEET CHARITY (Oscar Linguist) and MY REAL MOTHER (Liam) directed by Magdalene Spanuello and SISTER ACT (Joey) directed by Thomas Novak. Tyler has also been seen on the Wartburg Mainstage in FLORA THE RED MENACE (Runner) and PUFFS (Oliver) both directed by Dr. Neil Scharnick. Currently many art-

cast biographies ists are not able to create, so Tyler is beyond grateful for all of those involved with this production and their continuous creativity as we continue to work in these unprecedented times. Tyler hopes this show offers you a comedic and entertaining night of theater, but also reminds you to live life to the fullest and appreciate every moment you have.

Massimo Manfredini (The Amazing Karnak) is a sophomore Music Theatre major. This is his second appearance in a Carthage Music Theatre Workshop production, the first being SWEET CHARITY (Officer Monty/Ensemble), also directed by Maggie Spanuello in January of 2020. He is so grateful that he has been able to work with the wonderful cast and crew that make up this production, especially during these trying times, and thanks them dearly. He is very thankful to Ms. Spanuello as well for choosing him for this role. Enjoy the ride!

Matthew Wrbanek (Mischa Bachinski) is a sophomore Music Theatre major.

This is his first time in a Carthage Music Theatre production, but he has previously been in the Carthage mainstage show, PUFFS (Ernie Mac/Others). He’s previously been in SPRING AWAKENING (Georg), THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Aldolpho), THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (Algernon Moncrieff ), and FUDDY MEERS (Millet). Matthew is also a member of Carthage Choir and the Merely Players, Carthage improv troupe. He would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him through everything he does.

Anna Brown (Jane Doe) is a senior Music Theatre major. This is her second appearance in a Music Theatre Workshop production and is in fulfillment of her senior thesis. Past Carthage mainstage credits include FLORA THE RED MENACE (Galka/ensemble) and THE HANDBOOK (Kenzie), as well as the Music Theatre workshop production of SWEET CHARITY (ensemble/dance captain) and the Opera Workshop production THEN GIVE THREE CHEERS: A GILBERT AND SULLIVAN GALA (soloist/ensemble). Anna also serves as the 2nd Vice President/Music Director for Carthage’s co-ed music fraternity, Lambda Kappa. Anna would like to thank this incredible cast and crew, without whom this production could not have been possible, as well as her friends and family for their constant love and support.

production team biographies Magdalene Spanuello (Director) OFF BROADWAY: The Woman in Black (McKittrick Hotel-NY Times Critic’s Pick and Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Play Revival). REGIONAL: The Woman in Black (Cleveland Play House, Royal George Theatre-Chicago, Pasadena Playhouse, Seattle Rep); The Tempest (The Smith Center; South Coast Repertory); A Christmas Carol, Gutenberg! The Musical!, Forever Plaid (Milwaukee Repertory Theater); Murder for Two (Hope Summer Rep), Completely Hollywood Abridged (Old Creamery Theatre). CHICAGO: Macbeth and The Tempest with Posner and Teller, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); The 39 Steps (BrightSide Theatre); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare 400 Chicago/Civic Orchestra of Chicago); The Valkyries (Gorilla Tango Theatre).

INTERNATIONAL: Next to Normal, Seussical!, Blooming Season (Shanghai Conservatory of Music).

EDUCATION: MFA in Directing, Western Illinois University, BA in Music/ Political Science, Carthage College. Ms. Spanuello is an adjunct assistant professor of music theatre at Carthage College and mother to her 15-pound terrier, Dash. Many thanks to the cast and crew of RIDE THE CYCLONE at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre who gave her no choice but to love this musical from the moment she saw it.

Melissa Cardamone (Music Director/Accompanist) has been a staff accompanist and vocal coach with Carthage College since 2010. She is a classically trained soprano and has accompanied since the age of 10. At Carthage College her duties include playing for the Carthage Treble Choir and the Carthage Chorale. She accompanies and music directs some musical theater workshop classes and plays in the pit for their performances. In addition, students sign up for individual coaching of their recital repertoire, audition material, or lesson work. She enjoys playing for student recitals and assisting with the annual Christmas fest. Melissa is grateful for the opportunity she has had to travel to China, Tanzania, Florida, and throughout the Midwest on tours with both of her choirs. Ms. Cardamone has sung and played in the Milwaukee area with companies such as Milwaukee Opera Theatre, the Sunset Playhouse, the Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Chamber Theater, The Belle Ensemble, Festival Arts Antioch, as well as the Racine Concert Band and the Kenosha Pops. She is a cantor and pianist at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kenosha. Melissa lives in Kenosha with her brilliant husband, Joe, two wonderful kids, and a pup named Finn. Kudos to this cast who put on a super show in bizarre and challenging circumstances. Lots of love from Mel C. Mijiang He [M-Jay] (Choreographer) is a Chinese actor, director, choreographer, and teacher of musical theater. At Carthage, M-Jay has choreographed music theatre workshop productions and taught music theatre movement

courses. An accomplished triple-threat performer, M-Jay joined the Chinese national production of “Cats” in 2012 and 2013. While continuing to perform, M-Jay also began to add professional directing and choreography credits to his resume. He choreographed “Neverland: Peter Pan” with Broadway Asia and China Broadway Entertainment, as well as productions of “Murder Ballad” and “Fosse.” M-Jay created the original Chinese translation of “42nd Street,” which premiered at the Beijing Dance Academy, China’s premier music theatre training program. Prior to coming to Carthage, M-Jay was a visiting professor and director at the Beijing Dance Academy, where he taught jazz dance, music theatre history, and music theatre techniques. He also developed the music theatre dance curriculum for the music theatre program at the Communication University of China.

Asmau Diallo (Cinematographer/Sound Engineer) is a Tswana-American cinematographer studying Communications and Digital Media at Carthage College with an emphasis on Film & New Media. Diallo has worked extensively with the Kenosha community and the Carthage Theatre Department to film and edit documentaries, short films, and musicals. In 2020, Diallo worked on the production of the documentary “This Is My Place” for the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha, aiming to raise awareness about the impact of arts funding on inner-city communities. Shortly after, Diallo was recruited as the cinematographer for “Ride the Cyclone” and the producer for “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown.” Looking to explore her own storylines, Diallo also wrote and produced a short animated movie for her Film & New Media Production course called “150 Characters.” A new feat for Diallo, the short movie explores the nuances of identity and self-expression. Graduating this spring, Diallo will write and produce another short film for her senior thesis before stepping into the real world as a freelance digital producer.

Sareena L. Volkman (Assistant Director) is a senior at Carthage College with a major in theatre (focused in administration) and a minor in communications.

She holds an Associates in the Arts from Wilbur Wright college. Some of her previous work includes being seen in Rumors (Cassie Cooper), Clybourne Park (Bev/Kathy), the Curse of the Starving Class (Ella Tate), and Avenue Q (Kate Monster). Sareena has also directed The Elephant’s Graveyard at Taft High School, and completed a nine month internship in administration and theatre marketing at Porchlight Music Theatre in Chicago. Though she is studying theatre now, she plans to pursue her masters degree in higher education administration and education policy. She would like to thank Theresa and Patrick Ham for their endless support and wisdom, as well as her friends, family, the cast, and crew.

upcoming events for carthage community Student Recital: Trevor McDonald Sunday, Feb. 7 • 2 p.m.

Recital Hall • Tickets required Winter Choral Concert: Songs of Love Monday, Feb. 15 • 7:30 p.m.

A. F. Siebert Chapel • Tickets required Winter Band Concert: Crossover Friday, Feb. 19 • 7:30 p.m.

A. F. Siebert Chapel • Tickets required Eurydice Feb. 19-20 • 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 21 • 3 p.m.

Wartburg Theatre • Tickets required Carthage Philharmonic Strings Concert Saturday, Feb. 27 • 7:30 p.m.

A. F. Siebert Chapel • Tickets required Student Recital: Mitchell Dziewior & London Roysden Sunday, Feb. 28 • 2 p.m.

Recital Hall • Tickets required

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