Cast members in a dramatic moment from Ride the Cyclone. Back row, from left: Charlie Nixson, Maxwell Pratley. Middle row, from left: Devin Dulaney, Jackie Clevenger, Madalyn Rhodes. Front row, from left: Macy Winicki, Quintin Michalski.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Theater-by-the-Grove, a student performance organization in the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance, presents the cult-favorite musical Ride the Cyclone. Performances will take place April 9–11 at 7:30 p.m. and April 12 at 2:00 p.m. on the Waller Hall Mainstage.
With book, music, and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, Ride the Cyclone tells the story of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir whose lives are cut short in a tragic roller coaster accident. When they awaken in a strange limbo, a mechanical fortune teller offers them a chance to return to life, but only one of them can win. Each must step forward to tell their story in hopes of proving their life mattered most.
Directed by Mavis Jennings, with Sabin Fisher serving as music director, IUP’s production explores the humor, heartbreak, and humanity at the center of this beloved contemporary musical.
A Musical That Resonated with a Generation
In recent years, Ride the Cyclone has developed a devoted following among young audiences. Many of the students performing in IUP’s production first encountered the show during the COVID-19 shutdowns, when recordings and online performances circulated widely among theater fans.
“For many of our students, this musical became a kind of companion during that uncertain time,” Jennings said. “The characters are young people confronting questions about identity, belonging, and the value of a single life. Those themes resonated deeply with a generation that was suddenly asked to pause, reflect, and reconsider what mattered most.”
Jennings added that the students’ connection to the material made the opportunity to perform it especially meaningful. “They’ve talked about this show for years,” Jennings said. “To now be able to share it live with an audience feels like completing a circle.”
Balancing outrageous humor, inventive theatricality, and moments of genuine poignancy, Ride the Cyclone has become a favorite among contemporary musical theater audiences for its unique blend of comedy, heart, and existential reflection.
Performance and Ticket Information
Performances of Ride the Cyclone will take place April 9–11 at 7:30 p.m. and April 12 at 2:00 p.m. in Waller Hall at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Tickets may be purchased online or by phone through the Lively Arts Office at 724-357-2787, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Remaining tickets may be purchased at the door one hour prior to each performance.
This production is presented by the College of Arts, Humanities, Media, and Public Affairs and is funded, in part, by the IUP Student Cooperative Association.