Ride the Cyclone

Synopsis

In Ride the Cyclone, the lives of six teen chamber choir singers are cut short in a freak roller coaster accident. Stuck in the afterlife, a mechanical fortuneteller gives them a chance to sing their way back to earth.

Director's Note

Directing is hard!

Over my decades of production experience, I have worked with and watched many directors, and I had some good examples of what to do and not to do as a director. Even with that I knew taking on this role would be a challenge on many levels and that I would be Stepping my way out of my comfort zone.

As we look out beyond this year at the uncertainty surrounding the future of USU Eastern Theatre after this year. But we do know that we have reached the end, and we have had quite a ride and we are grateful for the experience.

Ride the Cyclone for me was a roller coaster ride of experiences, certainly full of ups and downs. This is story of life and death, grief and joy, acceptance and forgiveness, truth and appearance, and so much more.

There are so many themes that this beautiful experience touches on that really this note could become a doctorate thesis. But the simple message that we hope, I hope to share through this performance is that life is a precious gift and we need to remember to stop being so busy. We try so hard to fit in, to be “extra”, and all that and whatnot; that we often forget that we are supposed to enjoy the process and the journey.

The journey of life is not merely measured in accomplishments and possessions, in the end we are remembered for the lives we have touched, the experiences we had and shared with those around us, and the friendships we have made.

Directing this show with these amazing talented young people, has been one of these experiences that I will treasure. The show, the music and these kids have moved me to tears more times that I care to admit throughout this rehearsal process and I count myself very fortunate to have been on this ride with this group.

So slow down, enjoy the ride, appreciate the journey!

Please enjoy the show and we, I thank you for your support.