CST Extends RIDE THE CYCLONE

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the extension of its U.S. premiere production of Ride the Cyclone, a new musical with a refreshingly offbeat twist by Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond-now playing through November 15, 2015. Directed and choreographed by multiple Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell, this deliciously dark musical comedy originated as a cult classic cabaret piece in Canada and has been further developed here at the Theater with Chicago Shakespeare Creative Producer Rick Boynton. Performances during the extension week include: Tuesday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 14 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Part comedy, part tragedy-and wholly unexpected-this wildly original play delivers surprises at every hairpin turn. The lives of six teenagers from the St. Cassian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a doomed roller coaster. A mechanical fortune-teller, The Amazing Karnak, invites each to compete for the singular opportunity to return to life. Through a score that encompasses everything from pop and glam rock to Brechtian cabaret and rap, they share their stories-weaving a tale that is funny, irreverent and ultimately heartrending. Add in a funky bass-playing rat named Virgil and nothing in this entire journey is quite as it seems.

At once quirky and smart, edgy and beautiful, Ride the Cyclone began life as a song cycle from the Canadian theater company Atomic Vaudeville. Its combination of uproarious humor and macabre subject matter earned it a cult following among audiences across Canada. Multi-talented creative duo Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond collaborated to create the book, music and lyrics for the musical. Returning to Chicago Shakespeare for her tenth production, lauded Chicago musical theater director Rachel Rockwell joined forces with CST Creative Producer Rick Boynton to further develop the piece for its U.S. premiere. Rockwell is joined by Musical Director Doug Peck, a six-time Jeff Award-winner for musical direction at theaters across the city.

A talented cast brings Ride the Cyclone to life on Chicago Shakespeare's stage, including Lillian Castillo (Constance Blackwood), Jackson Evans (Ricky Potts), Karl Hamilton (The Amazing Karnak), Russell Mernagh (Mischa Bachinski), Emily Rohm (Jane Doe), Tiffany Tatreau (Ocean O'Connell Rosenberg) and Kholby Wardell (Noel Gruber).

Joining Rockwell and Peck on the creative team is Associate Music Director Michael Kaish and Associate Director/Choreographer Ericka Mac. The design team includes Scenic Designer Scott Davis, Costume Designer Theresa Ham, Lighting Designer Greg Hofmann, Projection Designer Mike Tutaj, Sound Designer Palmer Jankens and Wig and Make-up Designer Melissa Veal.

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