Dispatches from Home – “Ride the Cyclone!”
Greetings!
After fifty years of attending theater along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I sometimes find myself yawning and thinking, “Oy Vey! Another opening, another show!” However, then, something wholly unique and exhilarating comes along, and from the moment the house lights dim and the stage lights come up, you are swept into another world of masterful theatrical shtick and, if it’s a musical, hauntingly beautiful music. Biloxi Little Theater’s production of “Ride the Cyclone” masterfully did both, balancing the show’s dark, raucous comedy with touching storytelling, making the show deeply moving and tremendously entertaining.
The show tells the story of six high school students from Uranium City, Saskatchewan, who are “killed” when a rollercoaster, The Cyclone, goes off the rails and crashes. They then find themselves in an over-the-rainbow sort of world, overseen by a somewhat creepy automaton, The Amazing Karnak. Through her mystical powers, she gives the students a second chance at life. And thus, the show begins and rollicks along.
Visually, the set was a feast for the eyes. It was a cornucopia of creative design and dynamic lighting that evoked the whimsical yet eerie atmosphere of the haunted carnival into which the students find themselves. It perfectly matched the musical’s quirky tone. The splashy costumes, along with several on-stage quick changes, added their own special touch to the show. The choreography was equally inspired, adding layers of depth and spectacle to each scene.
Then, there was the cast: Ryan Raines, Diego Erwin, Nyah Lee, Kailey Owen, Sabrina Mana-ay, Tressie Fellman, and Lance Benezech Jr.! I run out of superlatives when attempting to describe their performances, but a few do come to mind: outstanding, superb, energetic, provocative, bawdy, hilarious, touching, and risqué. Each performer brought his or her character’s hopes and fears to life with remarkable authenticity and energy. Each was given a chance to shine, and the ensemble’s chemistry was electric, drawing yesterday’s audience fully into their world. The rats did so, as well. (😂)
Last but not least, thank you, Cuttino, for taking on this unique piece of theater. Your love for the show was evident throughout yesterday’s performance! I can’t imagine the long hours of planning it took to bring the show to the stage. The “Garden of Earthly Delights” was a nice touch, too. Congratulations to you, young fellow, along with your excellent cast and crew!
I’ll close with the words of dear Rhonda Weidner, who sums up the show more succinctly than I (😂) “Just when I thought Biloxi Little Theatre couldn’t raise the bar on its productions, along comes ‘Ride the Cyclone.” Wow! Wow! Wow! Stellar, super-talented cast. Fabulous set designs. Crazy good, unbelievable choreography. Wonderful wardrobe selections. Kudos to the cast, director, and all others involved in this production. Wish I hadn’t gone to the last performance because I would love to have seen the show again. Bravo! 👏 Bravo! 👏 Bravo “
And I wholeheartedly agree.
Big hug, y’all! 🥰
