2023-2024 SEASON
BOOK, MUSIC, & LYRICS BY JACOB RICHMOND & BROOKE MAXWELL RIDE THE CYCLONE is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing (www.broadwaylicensing.com).
CREATIVE TEAM Director...............................................................................................Julie Dixon Musical Director........................................................................................Kurt Perry Choreographer............................................................................. Teresa McCullough Scenic Designer....................................................................................Matt Mott Costume Designer.............................................................................Grace Muñoz Lighting Designer........................................................................ Michael Jackson Sound & Projection Designer...........................................................Chris Berchild Stage Manager...................................................................................Will Nethery
CAST The Amazing Karnak...........................................................................Aidan Neher Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg............................................................. Alora Hodgins Constance Blackwood........................................................................J. Wiersema Jane Doe..................................................................................Victoria Rae Behny Mischa Bachinski.............................................................................. Luke Francis Noel Gruber......................................................................................James Jordan Ricky Potts............................................................................................... Ty Eller Natalia...................................................................................... Madison Pischner Virgil the Rat................................................................................. Toby Schonfeld
PRODUCTION INFORMATION The running time is nintey minutes. There will NOT be an intermission. Video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited by law. WARNING: This production contains fog and loud noises. WARNING: RIDE THE CYCLONE features mature content and adult themes and may not be suitable for young audiences. Recommended for ages 14+.
SETTING Place A dilapidated warehouse, storing the debris of a once thriving amusement park. Time A year behind the present.
SPECIAL THANKS Rose-Human Institute of Technology Michael Compton Rich Green Kristin Wentz
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR I was teaching an acting class in 2022, and one of my students performed a monologue I had never seen before. That never happens, so I asked where she found it. She said, “TikTok.” That night I opened my long dormant TikTok account and started scrolling theatre accounts. One of the clips I ran across featured a character singing what sounded like an operatic aria while spinning in circles in mid-air. “Weird,” I thought. That clip, from the 2016 Off-Broadway production of RIDE THE CYCLONE and featuring Emily Rohm as Jane Doe, had gone viral on social media--particularly TikTok--and led to RIDE THE CYCLONE becoming a hit with Gen Z. RIDE THE CYCLONE debuted in 2008 in Victoria, British Columbia. Written by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, co-writers who had never written a musical before, it follows a Canadian high school choir at a competition in an amusement park, where they are killed in a freak accident on the Cyclone rollercoaster. The teens end up in the afterlife, where they are told by the Amazing Karnak, a sentient, fortune-telling machine, that one of them, and only one of them, will get the chance to live again. Each character sings about the life they hope to live. The elevator pitch would be Cats-meets-Glee-meets-Survivor. RIDE THE CYCLONE had a long development process over the next decade before coming to the United States for the US premiere at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. After positive buzz in Chicago, the production transferred to New York City and ran Off-Broadway. Productions in Seattle and Atlanta followed. Despite the positive buzz, however, the production never really developed the word-of-mouth that would make it a big name. But TikTok has given this musical the “name” it never got in the development process. Meg Masseron’s 2023 article in Playbill, “Why Gen Z loves RIDE THE CYCLONE” posits that, “It makes sense that the tone and themes of Ride the Cyclone resonate strongly with Gen Z, who is largely known for their habit of making memes and online jokes about their own trauma. But, Gen Z’s love for RIDE THE CYCLONE may go deeper than just jokes. Those who belong to Gen Z (as defined by the Pew Research Center) were born between 1997 and 2012. Contemplating what, historically, has impacted this generation in their lifetime, Gen Z’s connection with the story speaks for itself, when you look closely. This is a group that has scarcely known a world without the internet, without frequent mass shootings, or a world before 9/11. Although every generation has its traumatic historic events, Gen Z is certainly the first generation to only witness horrors in real-time through the vast reach of social media, not to mention the ubiquitous 24-hour news cycle. In a world where word of school shootings originates from tweets sent by students hiding under desks, Gen Z is constantly exposed--arguably overexposed--to tragedy and terror.” Even knowing this, I was surprised to find out just how many students had heard of this show once we announced we were doing it. And although I’m far from Gen Z, I have also found myself in love with this unexpected and surprising musical. I hope you all also enjoy the ride!
PRODUCTION TEAM Production Manager......................................................................................................Michael Jackson Technical Director & Scene Shop Supervisor ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� Matt Mott Costume Shop Supervisor ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Grace Muñoz Lighting Supervisor.......................................................................................................Michael Jackson Properties Supervisor.................................................................................................... Bladen Allbright Assistant Stage Managers...................................................... Sammy Batchelor, Kalene Dean, Oliver Ellis Assistant Lighting Designer........................................................................................... Craig Robinson* Assistant Projection Designer �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Ryan Perez Intimacy Director.................................................................................................................. Julie Dixon Movement Consultant.....................................................................................................Brandon Wentz Dialect Coach.............................................................................................................Andrew D. Steffke Dance Captain............................................................................................................................Ty Eller Fight & Intimacy Captain............................................................................................. Sammy Batchelor Scene Shop Leads.................................................................................. Bladen J. Allbright, Luke Francis Scene Shop Staff...........................................................................Tori Behny, Quinn Brickley, Josie Smith Eric Smith, Paul Bontrager, Sammy Batchelor Scenic Build Crew.............................................................THTR 177: Stagecraft & THTR 270: Practicum Scenic Run Crew...................................................Quinn Brickley, Elijah Bridgewater, Eric Smith Costume Shop Staff..................................................................Leah Barwick, Quinn Brickley, Carter Buehl Morgan Hughes, Natalee Huff, Toby Schonfeld, Morgan Withers Costume Build Crew................................................................................ THTR 271: Costume Practicum Wardrobe Head................................................................................................................Cora Summers Wardrobe Run Crew...................................... Lindsey Greaver, Haliey Hughes*, Aicha Maidi, Nikkie Morton Lead Electrician........................................................................................................Hayden Clendening Electrics Crew.............................................................................. THTR 102: Intro to Theater Production Light Board Operator ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Hayden Clendening Follow Spot Operators ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� Paul Bontrager, Quinn Brickely Sound Engineer ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Bryan Schroeder Sound & Projection Assistant ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Will Nethery Audio Assistant �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Emma Dawson Sound Board Operator �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Adam Ellis Projections Operator ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Alanna Thomas Administration ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Crystal Johnson Marketing Director & Front of House Supervisor ������������������������������������������������������������������������Alicia Jay Marketing Assistants ���������������������������������������Kalene Dean, Aicha Maidi, Craig Robinson*, Cannon Roop* Box Office Manager........................................................................................................Crystal Johnson Box Office Staff....................................................................................... Rebecca Baxter, Cannon Roop* House Managers ������������������������������������������������������ Elijah Bridgewater, Irena Fletcher, KP, Chloey Trinkle Ushers.................................................................................THTR 272: Admin Practicum, ISU Volunteers * Memeber of Alpha Psi Omega, the national collegiate theater honor society.
SONG LIST #1 Dream of Life Opening..............................................................................Jane #2 Karnak Organ Part 2/Uranium.................................................................... Kids #3 Minor Turn................................................................................... Kids, Karnak #4 The Other Side ......................................................................................... Kids #5 Jane Doe’s Entrance.........................................................................Jane, Kids #6 Ocean’s Bumper.......................................................................... (Underscore) #7 What The World Needs................................................................... Ocean, Kids #8 I Love You Guys Roll .............................................................................. Ocean #9 Noel’s Lament..................................................................................Noel, Kids #10 Spooky Jane Fornication.........................................................................Jane #11 Every Story’s Got A Lesson.......................................................... Ocean, Kids #12 This Song Is Awesome*...............................................................Mischa, Kids #13 Talia....................................................................................................... Kids #14 Ricky’s Stinger .............................................................................Ricky, Kids #15 Space Age Bachelor Man...............................................................Ricky, Kids #16 Ballad of Jane Doe..........................................................................Jane, Kids #17 The New Birthday Song.........................Ocean, Ricky, Mischa, Noel, Constance #18 Jawbreaker/Sugar Cloud........................................................Constance, Kids #19 Dream of Jane’s Life............................................................................... Kids #20 Sailing Through Space Reprise................................................................. Kids #21 It’s Just a Ride....................................................................................... Kids
*Choreograpy by Taralyn Moore
TBE ROSE DR.&11.& CLUB PRESENTS
ROIIEO AND JULIET MAYBE TIIIS TOWN IS BIG ENOUGH
FEBRUARY 2 -4 HATFIELD BALL ROSE-BULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
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INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
DECEMBER 1
CALLOUT @ 7:30 PM WRITING @ 8:30 PM
DECEMBER 2
REHEARSE @ AM-PM PERFORM @ 7:30 PM
OPEN TO ALL ISU STUDENTS DREISER THEATER 221 N. 6TH ST
FREE ADMISSION
FOR INFO EMAIL ALICIA.JAY@INDSTATE.EDU
WHO’S WHO SAMMY BATCHELOR Assistant Stage Manager Sammy is a Theater and English education student at Indiana State University. She is known both for her acting--having recently appeared as Judy in SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS--as well as her work behind the scenes, holding roles from Assistant Stage Manager to Head of Properties. She is excited to work on such a big show!
VICTORIA RAE BEHNY Jane Doe Victoria is a returning graduate from ISU and has previously participated in CRT’s RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA as Ella, and as a featured performer in A MAGICAL MUSICAL CABARET. She has also been a part of four shows with the Indiana State University Department of Theater. THE TEMPEST, Ariel; SILKS, Juliana; MEASURE FOR MEASURE, The Provost; A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, Snail, Green Bird, and Mother Frog. CHRIS BERCHILD
Sound & Projection Designer Chris is the chairperson of the ISU Department of Theater, and is proud parent (along with Tresa Makosky) of Tycho John and Bianca Róisín. Chris has directed and designed numerous productions at ISU and Crossroads Repertory Theatre. His projection design work can be seen regionally at Indiana Repertory Theatre and The Phoenix Theatre. Chris thanks you all for supporting collegiate theater at ISU!
KALENE DEAN
Assistant Stage Manager This is Kalene’s junior year and her first stage management position at ISU. She has previously been a part of ISU theater in THE TEMPEST as Ferdinand and Stephano, Joan in SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS, and with Student Theatre Association’s Fright Fest and New Play Fest performances. She has also worked in Marketing/Administration for CRT’s 2023 summer season.
WHO’S WHO JULIE DIXON Director Julie (she/her) earned her BA in Liberal Arts from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, where she majored in Biology and minored in English and Theatre. After her graduation, she spent several years as a resident actor with The Children’s Theatre of Massachusetts, while also performing with several other New England theatre companies including the Foothills Theatre, Hampshire Shakespeare Company, and New Century Theatre. Dixon next earned her MFA in Acting from California State University, Long Beach, and moved to Terre Haute upon graduation to become the Head of Acting for the Department of Theater at Indiana State University. She teaches all levels of acting classes, from beginning to advanced, and Voice for the Actor. She regularly performs with Crossroads Repertory Theatre, the Department of Theater’s summer company, where some of her favorite roles have included the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet, Justine/ the Mate in Frankenstein, and Mrs. Whatsit in A Wrinkle in Time. Locally she has performed for The Phoenix Theatre, Summit Performance Indianapolis and Actor’s Theatre of Indiana in Indianapolis, the Jewish Theatre of Bloomington, and the Shawnee Theatre of Greene County. She also directs for the Department during the academic year, and her favorite shows have included Meg Miroshnik’s Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls, J. Caesar, an all-female, post-apocalyptic version of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, and Moises Kaufman’s 33 Variations. TY ELLER
Ricky Potts Ty is making his Indiana State Department of Theater debut in RIDE THE CYCLONE. Ty is a freshman theater major and dance minor from Pineville, West Virginia. Contracted this previous summer as a dancer/actor at Theatre West Virginia, Ty’s credits include Quentin in ROCKET BOYS and Elias Hatfield in HATFIELDS & MCCOYS.
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WHO’S WHO OLIVER ELLIS
Assistant Stage Manager This is Oliver’s first Indiana State University Department of Theater production. Before assistant stage managing at Indiana State, he stage managed at his high school in Indianapolis, IN for 3 years. Being a theater major, he hopes to explore more elements of technical theater and stage managing.
LUKE FRANCIS
Mischa Bachinski Luke is from Port Jefferson, NY and is making their Indiana State University Department of Theater debut in Ride the Cyclone. Luke is a sophomore acting major and a part of STA and SIT. Luke has previously played Brighella in A SERVANT OF TWO MASTERs and Owen in THE SWEARING JAR.
ALORA HODGINS
Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg Alora is a sophomore and though this is her first mainstage show at Indiana State University, she has found herself well-involved with the Student Theatre Association. At Terre Haute South Vigo High School, she played Anne Sullivan in THE MIRACLE WORKER, her favorite show. Alora also had roles in THE ADDAMS FAMILY and THE SOUND OF MUSIC as well as stage management experience in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS.
WHO’S WHO MICHAEL JACKSON
Lighting Designer Michael has designed lighting for ROMEO AND JULIET, THE CAY and THE LITTLE CHOO CHOO THAT THINKS SHE CAN at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Other regional theatre credits include ten productions for the former Cardinal Stage company, including NEXT TO NORMAL, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, and ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST. He has also designed for the Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis, Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, and the Florida Studio Theatre. For Crossroads Repertory Theatre, he has designed scenery and/or lighting for 12 seasons, as well as serving as Director of Production since 2015. For the Department of Theater at Indiana State University, Michael serves as Associate Professor and Production Manager as well as resident Lighting and Scenic designer. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Evansville, and his M.F.A. in Design for Stage and Film from NYU.
JAMES JORDAN
Noel Gruber James is making his Indiana State University Department of Theater debut in RIDE THE CYCLONE. Previously, he has played Sergeant and Pirate king’s understudy in PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Franz in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and more ensemble/understudy work for other shows. James is a freshman music education major from Evansville, IN.
TERESA MCCULLOUGH Choreographer Teresa earned her BS in Dance Performance from Indiana University. Following graduation, she was hired by the Indiana State University Physical Education Department as a “special purpose” faculty member in Dance. During her first year of teaching, she established a longstanding relationship with the ISU Department of Theater--where Dance is now housed--and completed an MA in Communications/Theater. She is the Advisor and sole faculty member for the Dance Minor and Dance Elective programs. Professional experience includes Crossroads Repertory Theater and Bill Evans Dance Company. Her favorite choreographic productions include EVERYMAN, RENT, and RING OF FIRE.
WHO’S WHO MATT MOTT Scenic Desiger Matt (he/him) is in his first year at Indiana State University. Matt enjoys teaching Stagecraft, Drafting, and Scenic Design. He earned his BA in Scenic Design from the University of Northern Colorado in 2010 and his MFA in Scenic Design and Projection Design from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2015. Matt has worked previously as the Technical Director at the Jacobs School of Music, and the Design Generalist at the University of Northern Colorado. Matt’s designs include LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST, directed by Edward Stern; BLOODY, BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON at the Unicorn Theatre, THE WHO’S TOMMY at the University of Northern Colorado, THE MAGNOLIA BALLET at the Phoenix Cultural Center, and NOISES OFF at Crossroads Repertory Theatre. GRACE MUÑOZ
Costume Designer Grace (she/her) is a costume and properties designer and technician from Chicago, IL. Grace has previously worked as a Properties Master and Designer at Opera Saratoga in Saratoga Springs, New York. Including the world premieres of THE LONG WALK (Beck) and THE WITCHES OF VENICE (Glass). She has also had the pleasure of working with Tony award-winning designer Mimi Lien while at Opera Saratoga. Grace has also worked regionally at The Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, IL, Maples Repertory Theatre in Macon, MO, and designed puppets for the Lilly Theater at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and as a cutter/ draper for Constellations Stage and Screen in Indianapolis. Grace has also designed costumes for Crossroads Repertory Theatre, most recently CHARLIE THE NO-GOOD, REALLY-ROTTEN, CHEAT-A-SAURUS REX. She is also a member of USITT, the ATHE Women and Theatre Program, and the Costume Society of America. Grace is currently the costume shop manager and a costume designer at Indiana State University. Grace received her BA in Theatre from Eastern Illinois University and is currently pursuing her MFA in Costume Design from the University of Idaho.
WHO’S WHO AIDAN NEHER
The Amazing Karnak Aidan is making his Indiana State University Department of Theater debut in RIDE THE CYCLONE. Aidan has played a variety of supporting characters and extras all throughout high school--Sometimes even being cast as multiple characters in the same show. Aidan is a sophomore aviation management major from Carmel, IN.
WILL NETHERY
Stage Manager William Nethery is a Junior at Indiana State University and is a Theater Major. He was the Assistant Stage Manager for CINDERELLA and CHARLIE THE NO-GOOD, REALLY-ROTTEN, CHEAT-A-SAURUS-REX at Crossroads Repertory Theater. He also was the Sound Engineer for THE TEMPEST and the Assistant Sound Designer for Ken Ludwig’s BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY.
KURT PERRY
Musical Director Kurt is originally from Avon, Indiana, but has called Terre Haute “home” since 2006. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music from ISU. He has accompanied the choirs and musicals at Terre Haute North High School since 2009. Kurt also frequently accompanies musicals at ISU, Rose-Hulman, St. Mary-of-the-Woods and CRT at ISU. Kurt is also the Music Director at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, where he has served since 2013.
MADISON PISCHNER
Natalia Madison is making her Indiana State University Department of Theater debut in RIDE THE CYCLONE, Madison is also part of Student Improv Troupe and Student Theatre Association. Previously Madison has played Babette in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and Zazu in THE LION KING JR., both with Highland Theatre Company. Madison is a freshman social work major from Highland, IN.
WHO’S WHO TOBY SCHONFELD
Virgil the Rat Toby Schonfeld is a senior who is majoring in theater and minoring in studio art at Indiana State University. He has worked in the ISU Department of Theater Costume Shop for the last two years and has worked on multiple productions as Wardrobe Head (PRIDE AND PREJUDICE) and Wardrobe Crew, and in other behind-the-scenes capacities. He is making his acting debut with RIDE THE CYCLONE.
J. WIERSEMA
Constance Blackwood This will be J’s second production with the Indiana State University Department of Theater (Painter 1, SILKS; Mina, IF THE WALLS..., Annabelle, WARM AGAIN, all a part of WORK OF ART: FOUR NEW PLAYS). Other favorite roles include Katherine Blake in FREAKY FRIDAY and The Queen in CINDERELLA (Hanover Central High School). J is a senior English Teaching Major in the ISU Honors College.
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WINTER FORMAL
Ugly SWEATER THEME SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023
6:00-8:00 PM Dreiser Theater Food and Refreshments will be provided!
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THEATER FACULTY & STAFF Chris Berchild........Department Chair | Projection & Sound Design | Theater Theory Julie Dixon...............................................................................Acting | Movement Michael Jackson................................. Lighting & Scenic Design | Stage Technology Alicia Jay........................... Administration & Management | Introduction to Theater Crystal Johnson................................Administrative Assistant | Box Office Manager Tresa Makosky....................................Stage Management | Introduction to Theater Teresa McCullough..................................................................................... Dance Kate Mott............................................................ Costume Design & Construction Matt Mott............................................ Technical Director | Scene Shop Supervisor Grace Muñoz................................................................. Costume Shop Supervisor
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF THEATER The Indiana State University Department of Theater provides practical experience and training that equips undergraduate students with a broad-based or a disciplinefocused theater education in an inclusive and supportive environment. The Department provides a one-of-a-kind, hands-on learning experience in all aspects of theater. Our students work in performance, design, production, direction, and administration before they graduate; this well-rounded training prepares them for a wide variety of careers in the performance and entertainment industries.
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