STAGE TUBE: Watch 'What the World Needs is People Like Me' from CST's RIDE THE CYCLONE

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents the U.S. premiere of RIDE THE CYCLONE, a new musical with a refreshingly offbeat twist from Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond, directed and choreographed by multiple Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell. Originating as a cult classic cabaret piece in Canada, this dark musical comedy is was further developed with Chicago Shakespeare Creative Producer Rick Boynton for its American debut, presented in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare this fall. Click below to watch Tiffany Tatreau and the cast perform "What the World Needs is People Like Me" from the musical!

Highlighting the Theater's commitment to new work, lauded Chicago musical theater director Rachel Rockwell joins forces with CST Creative Producer Rick Boynton to further develop the piece for its U.S. premiere. Returning to Chicago Shakespeare for her tenth production, Rockwell has also directed and choreographed Jeff Award-winning musicals at The Marriott Theatre, The Goodman Theatre and Drury Lane Oakbrook. Rockwell is joined by Musical Director Doug Peck, a six-time Jeff Award-winner for musical direction at theaters across the city. In his role as creative producer, Boynton oversees the development of a wide spectrum of new work including new musicals, re-imagined classics and collaborations with international artists.

A talented ensemble brings the eclectic cast of characters of RIDE THE CYCLONE to life. Tiffany Tatreau performs the role of Ocean O'Connell Rosenberg, the straight-A overachiever and high school class president. Lillian Castillo plays Constance Blackwood, the "nicest girl in homeroom." Kholby Wardell portrays the unfulfilled dreamer Noel Gruber, while Russell Mernagh appears as the handsome Ukranian bad boy, Mischa Bachinski. Jackson Evans plays Ricky Potts, a kid yearning to unlock his inner potential. Emily Rohm takes on the role of the mysterious Jane Doe-an unidentified girl in a choir uniform whom nobody seems to remember. Karl Hamilton appears as the mechanical fortune-telling machine, The Amazing Karnak.

Joining Rockwell and Peck on the creative team is Associate Music Director Michael Kaish, who will also lead the onstage five-piece band, featuring a bass guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, cello and percussion. Ericka Mac serves as the production's Associate Director/Choreographer. Scenic Designer Scott Davis, Lighting Designer Greg Hofmannand Projection Designer Mike Tutaj have transformed the theater Upstairs into a subversive, run-down carnival, complete with a set of dilapidated roller coaster tracks. Chicago Shakespeare's Associate Sound Master Palmer Jankens is the production's Sound Designer. Jeff Award-winners Theresa Ham and Melissa Veal serve as Costume Designer and Wig and Make-up Designer, depicting each character's signature style.

For a complete performance listing and more information about the production, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/cyclone.

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