Written by orange• February 22, 2025• 9:51 pm• Chapman, Musical, Orange, Review, Uncategorized

Chapman University College of Performing Arts Presents: Ride the Cyclone: A Whirlwind of Morbidity, Merriment, and Musical Diversity @ Musco Center for the Arts – Review

photo credit: Alissa Roseborough

Written by Alina Mae Wilson

Chapman University’s production of Ride the Cyclone is a fantastically twisted musical journey that fuses dark humor with heartfelt introspection.

A Darkly Absurd Tale

The story follows a group of high school choir students who meet their untimely end when a malfunctioning roller coaster sends them spiraling into bizarre fates—including one student’s complete and utter decapitation. I’m sorry, what? In the afterlife, these students are given a singular chance: convince a mechanical fortune teller to restore one of them to life. ONLY one. Far from a mere exercise in morbidity, this macabre competition is infused with wit, humor, and thoughtful reflections on personal worth.

Musical Brilliance and Genre-Spanning Score

As a musical, Ride the Cyclone truly shines by allowing each unique character the opportunity to express themselves in distinct and memorable ways. No two songs are alike—the score traverses genres from pop and rap to country and more. You’ll probably find yourself favoring one song highly over the others. But even if the cumulative score isn’t your favorite, the humor and messaging woven throughout each piece ensure you won’t be bored.

Visual and Thematic Brilliance

Every design element contributes to the production’s haunted carnival atmosphere. Tyler Scrivner’s inventive set design features dynamic lighting from Avery Reagan and an engaging lever that unveils poignant snapshots from the students’ pasts. Serviceable choir uniforms from Costume Designer Kylie Pickering evolve with unexpected costume changes during musical numbers, and the inclusion of Virgil the Rat (not present in other productions) alongside a crew of backup singers deepens the overall sense of delightful bizarreness. Thoughtful touches, such as using black umbrellas to maintain a somber undertone, enhance the show without overwhelming the stage.

A Cast That Commands the Stage

The performances are uniformly strong, with each actor delivering vocally and dramatically. The cast’s ability to highlight the unique quirks of their characters—whether it’s the enigmatic Amazing Karnak (played by Zachary Kieran McDevitt, holy moly, I thought he WAS a robot) or the newly introduced students—adds depth and humor to the narrative. While some jokes may have benefited from lingering a bit longer, the overall pacing ensures that every moment, from rapid-fire humor to touching ballads, is appreciated. The combination of capable singing, robust acting, and vibrant choreography results in an engaging and enjoyable performance.

Conclusion

Chapman University’s rendition of Ride the Cyclone is a masterful blend of the macabre and the mirthful, offering a theatrical experience that challenges convention while keeping audiences thoroughly entertained. With a diverse musical score, compelling performances, and a visually stunning set, this production is an absolute must-see for anyone eager for a show that balances darkness with just the right amount of levity—highly recommended.