Photo courtesy of Open Stage
This fall, Open Stage brings the electrifying and darkly comedic “Ride the Cyclone” to downtown Harrisburg, and it’s a show that has captured the hearts of a new generation—thanks in large part to its viral success on social media.
What began as a quirky and obscure musical in 2008 has found new life with Gen Z, who have made it a sensation on platforms like TikTok.
“Ride the Cyclone” tells the story of six teenagers from the St. Cassian High School choir who perish in a roller coaster accident. In the aftermath, they find themselves in a surreal limbo, where a fortune-telling machine named The Amazing Karnak offers one of them the chance to return to life. Each teen must make their case through a series of wildly different musical numbers, exploring their past lives, regrets and dreams.
The show’s eclectic mix of humor, pathos and macabre themes has struck a chord with Gen Z, a generation deeply attuned to stories about trauma, self-discovery and the search for identity. In 2022, the haunting song, “The Ballad of Jane Doe,” exploded on TikTok, with fans captivated by the darkly beautiful performance. Overnight, “Ride the Cyclone” transformed from a cult favorite into a viral sensation.
“The energy and passion the fans bring to this show is incredible,” says Emily Reusswig, who plays the character Jane Doe in Open Stage’s production. “You see it everywhere online—cosplay, fan theories, art. I first heard of this show through TikTok and was obsessed! This story about life, death and identity resonates deeply with the fans and with me.”
In the production, audiences meet the choir members: Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg, a perfectionist choir captain with a superiority complex; Noel Gruber, a romantic dreamer obsessed with New Wave French cinema; Mischa Bachinski, a fiery Ukrainian adoptee and aspiring rapper; Ricky Potts, an imaginative kid who dreams of aliens; Jane Doe, the unnamed and forgotten girl searching for her identity; and Constance Blackwood, the sweet girl hiding deeper complexities.
“There’s a catharsis in seeing these characters, who are so full of life even in death, express their fears, dreams and desires,” says Open Stage artistic director Stuart Landon. “It’s a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, there’s humor, connection and the search for a second chance.”
The team at Open Stage is ready to bring this viral hit to central Pa. The cast features Josh Dorsheimer, Jasmine Graham, Maggie Haynes, Ethan Hommel, Em Kase, Carly Lafferty, Drew Patti, Emily Reusswig and Zach Roush. Stuart Landon directs, with TJ Creedon as assistant director, Kayla Capone Kasper as vocal director, and choreography by Zsuzsanna Smith. The stage manager is Stacy Reck, who is assisted by Chris Krahulec and Emma Sweigart. Costumes are designed by Brock Viering, with props by Becky Arney, audio by Kevin Cole and Wayne Landon, lighting by Tristan Stasiulis and projections by Sammi Leigh Melville and Rachel Landon. The scenic design team includes Janos Boon, Addison Griffin, Heather Jannetta and John Kern. Brad Barkdoll, playing the role of a rat named Virgil, leads his fellow band members: Ellen Carnahan, Adrienne Connaghan and Dani Fiore.
As fans flock to TikTok to share their love for “Ride the Cyclone,” Open Stage audiences will get a chance to experience this thrilling, fast-paced and deeply human story live on stage. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering the show for the first time, “Ride the Cyclone” promises to be a theatrical experience that leaves you thinking, laughing and maybe even shedding a tear.
“Ride the Cyclone” runs from Oct. 12 to Nov. 2 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court Street, on the street level of the Walnut Street Garage, in Harrisburg. For tickets and more information, visit www.openstagehbg.com.
Rachel Landon serves as the education coordinator at Open Stage.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111
Popcorn Hat Players
“Sleeping Beauty”
Sept. 18 to Oct. 5
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Saturdays at 1 p.m.
TMI Improv
Oct.18 at 7:30 p.m.
Stage Door Series
Hamlet-ish!
Oct. 11 & 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 13 at 2:30 p.m.
Dracula Reading
Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736
Black NewsBeat
With Dr. Kimeka Campbell
Oct. 9 & 23, 7 p.m.
EFF Live! (Erotic Fan Fiction Live!)
Naughty readings that will make you laugh!
Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.
“Ride the Cyclone,” a musical
The viral sensation comes to Harrisburg!
Oct.12 to Nov. 2
Court Street Cabaret: Oversung Edition
Open Stage singers bring awesome performances of overdone showtunes.
Oct. 17 to Nov. 1
Big Wigs
A Vegas-style impersonation show
With Aggy Dune & Mrs. Kasha Davis
Sunday, Nov. 3
VIP Meet & Greet, 1 p.m.
Drag Show, 2 p.m.
