Ride the Cyclone, a musical with music, lyrics, and book by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, tells the story of six high school students from a small town who are involved in a terrible accident on a rollercoaster. As they wait for their fate, a mysterious carnival worker gives them the chance to compete for a second chance at life. The result is a darkly comedic and irreverent ride through the afterlife that will have you laughing, crying, and cheering.
Originally developed in Canada, Ride the Cyclone has been produced and performed across North America, including a successful Off-Broadway run in New York City. The show has been praised for its innovative use of technology and multimedia, as well as its smart and moving exploration of life, death, and what it means to be remembered.
Roxy's Downtown, a beloved Wichita theatre venue, is thrilled to bring Ride the Cyclone to its stage. The show is co-directed by Porter Jones and Drew Thomas, and features a talented cast of actors and musicians.
"We are incredibly excited to bring this extraordinary musical to our audiences in Wichita," said Rick Bumgardner, Artistic Director. "Ride the Cyclone is a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that will leave you laughing, crying, and thinking. We can't wait for people to see it."
Ages: High School and Up
Cast and Creative team for Ride The Cyclone at Roxy's Downtown
Cast
Austin Hancock
The Amazing Karnak
Austin Hancock is thrilled to be making their on-stage debut at Roxy's Downtown! They're currently a Senior at Wichita State University, getting a degree in Theatre Performance, as well as a certificate in voice acting! Before performing as the "Amazing Karnak," they performed as Happy Wright in the one-person show HAPPY WRIGHT (Wichita State University), Berowne in LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST (Wichita State University), Hunter in TITLE OF SHOW (Independence Community College), Lumiere in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Coffeyville Community College), as well as many others! Austin will be dedicating their performance to Danette Baker, his wonderful Teacher, Friend, and Mentor. Austin also has a prediction for the audience's future: Your lucky number is 7, you will have an amazing time, you'll cry tears of laughter and sadness, and be sure to ride the Cyclone!
Claire Kennard
Ocean O'Connell Rosenberg
Claire Kennard (she/her) is ecstatic to be making her Roxy’s Downtown debut as Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg in RIDE THE CYCLONE. She is currently a junior at Wichita State University pursuing a BFA in Music Theatre, a minor in dance, and a Commercial Dance Certificate. She is also a local choreographer, a fitness instructor, and a dance teacher at Andover Dance Academy. You may have seen her as Janet Weiss in the Crown Art’s Collaborative most recent production of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW or as Fastrada in Wichita State University’s PIPPIN. She wants to send a special thanks to her family, friends, and instructors for believing in her and supporting her every step of the way. Thank you for supporting local artists. Enjoy the ride! @claire.kennard
Dex O'Neal
Jane Doe
Dex is so grateful to be making another return to the Roxy's stage! Their recent appearances at Roxys include Ensemble in TWO GENTLEMEN, Norma in CARRIE, as well as New Wave Girl in HEATHERS, and will be making another appearance soon as Collette/Bitelle in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. When they aren't playing pretend, Dex spends their time as a wig stylist, artist, and cosplayer!
Matthew Purdom
Noel Gruber
Matt is so pleased to finally have the opportunity to perform with Roxy's in his first production! Although, you may have seen him on the Roxy's stage alongside his choir members in the Heart of America Men's Chorus. He has also been a part of productions at WCT such as THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK or A CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. Or even at Guild Hall where he's been in several shows including NEXT TO NORMAL as Henry as well as Fabrizio in LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA where he won a Mary Jane Teall award for Lead Male in a Musical. This is such an exciting and heartfelt show to begin his Roxy's career with and cannot wait to see what the future holds! He wants to thank his mom for always supporting him and everything he does, no matter what. Love you! He also wants to thank the directors Drew and Porter for giving him this amazing chance as well as Lyle Valentine for encouraging him to audition for his first professional show and always keeping him entertained! And thank YOU for supporting your local theatre!
Tessa Seybert
Constance Blackwood
Tessa is so excited to be making her debut at Roxy’s as Constance in RIDE THE CYCLONE! Her credits include Music Theatre of Wichita’s SOUTH PACIFIC and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at the Crown Uptown. Although a local to Wichita, she has recently been training with Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, Mass.
Gavin Tanner
Ricky Potts
Gavin Tanner is stoked for you to Ride the Cyclone! He has recently appeared in CARRIE THE MUSICAL (Roxy’s), PIPPIN (Wichita State University), and PRISCILLA: THE QUEEN OF THE DESERT (Roxy’s). Gavin is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at Wichita State University. He would like to thank Drew, Porter, Wyman, Peyton, and his family for their constant support. Have fun, kittens ;P
Wyman Wheeler
Mischa Bachinski
Wyman Wheeler is thrilled to be a part of RIDE THE CYCLONE in his third show at Roxy’s! His previous credits include THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Empty Space Theatre), PRISCILLA: QUEEN OF THE DESERT (Roxy’s), GUYS AND DOLLS (Robidoux Resident Theater or RRT), and NEWSIES (RRT). Wyman is a junior pursuing a BFA in musical theater. Wyman would like to thank the cast and crew of RIDE THE CYCLONE, his instructors, and his wife Emalee for all of the support they have provided throughout this experience.
Creative Team
Porter Jones
Co-Director
Porter Jones is more pumped than ever to be working as the Co-Director/Production Manager/Sound Designer for RIDE THE CYCLONE! When he showed this show to his best friend, Drew Thomas, just over a year ago he never imagined they’d be directing it together so soon! He has been performing various jobs at Roxy’s Downtown since THE WIZ in February 2020 and has been the Production Manager since SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS in March of 2021. He has had the great fortune of being Rick’s assistant director for 3 shows and is currently pursuing a BA in Theatre from WSU and plans to pursue his master’s degree. He wants to thank Rick and Roxy’s for constantly giving him opportunities to grow as an artist, Drew for being an amazing co-director and more importantly, his best friend, the design team for bringing his and Drew’s vision to life, the cast/crew for their hard work, his family in OKC for their support, his friends up here in Wichita for their support, his incredibly supportive partner Alazé and YOU, the audience, for being patrons of the arts and allowing theatre to thrive in Wichita. He hopes this show inspires you to always appreciate and reflect on life, but most importantly to enjoy the ride. Ask to see his and Drew’s matching Cyclone tattoos!
Drew Thomas
Co-Director
Drew Thomas is an Actor/Director/Writer based in the great state of Kansas. He is getting his BFA in Theatre performance from Wichita State (fingers crossed) as well as a certificate in Directing. He is also a proud member of the Society of American Fight Directors. You may have seen him in Roxy’s DISASTER and HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL as well as in WSU’s LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST and VOICES IN THE VOID. He also Directed the 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE through WSU's Empty Space and CARRIE THE MUSICAL here at Roxy’s. He would like to thank his best friend Porter, his partner Jasmine, and his mentors Dan Schmidt, Danette Baker, and Rick Bumgarder; as well as his family and friends for supporting, pushing, and helping him along the way. He is excited to share the work this cast and crew has put on and hopes you love every moment of it. See him next here at Roxys in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN. Your lucky number is 7, you will get a promotion, you will soar to great heights, and be sure to Ride the Cyclone!
J Branson
Scenic Design
J is excited to be part of the team again, with this his latest show at Roxy’s! J is a WSU Alum who has been a Chicago-based designer for more than 20 years, working coast to coast and in Canada. National tour credits: THE MUSIC MAN, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, BRIGADOON and CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG Regional premieres: THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, A CHRISTMAS STORY, HAIRSPRAY, MARY POPPINS and THE LITTLE MERMAID. Other regional work: SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE, FOREVER YOURS, PATSY, LOVE, VALOUR, COMPASSION!, NUNSENSE, SUNSET BOULEVARD, HOCUS POCUS and CHESS. Love and thanks to Jody and The Clowder for all the love, strength and support.
Chadwick Armstrong
Costume Design
Chadwick is a Costume Society of America member and Kansas State Alumni. Some credits include: Semi Finalist of Lifetime's Season 13 Project Runway, DISNEY’S LION KING National tour, DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST National tour, SISTER ACT National tour, DIRTY DANCING National tour, Celtic Woman World tour, P!NK World tour and Vegas Legends Show. He also is a freelance costume designer in the Wichita area for many high school productions. Chadwick is thrilled to return to Roxy's Downtown for another production this season, even more thrilled to work with his wonderful friend Rick!
Arthur Reese
Lighting Design
Arthur is thrilled to be returning to Roxy’s for another show (he’s lost track of how many). During the day he is an 8th Grade Social Studies teacher, and was the technical director at Roxy’s from 2015-2018. His favorite shows have been the KYLE AND MONTE CHRISTMAS MUSICALS, of which he lit all four of them, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, FLY BY NIGHT, and THE 39 STEPS. Thanks to the whole crew at Roxy’s for keeping this place fun to work in. Enjoy the show!
Meghan McGehee
Property Design
Meghan McGehee (she/her) is a graduate of Kansas State University with a major in theatre and a minor in public relations. Since graduating, Meghan has worked with Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Commonwealth Shakespeare, the Manhattan Arts Center, and recently spent the summer at Maples Repertory Theatre as the Assistant Director of Education. Meghan is a Wichita native who moved back to town in August and has since worked as a stage manager with Music Theatre Wichita on SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: THE MUSICAL and SEUSSICAL , and has been seen onstage as Elaine in CALENDAR GIRLS with Crown Arts Collaborative. RIDE THE CYCLONE is Meghan's fourth production as prop designer with Roxy's. You may have recently seen all her props break (again and again) in THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG. Outside of theatre, Meghan enjoys crafting, fashion, and spending time with her cat. @meghan_mcgehee
Jasmine Hall
Female Swing
Jasmine Hall (she/her) is absolutely thrilled to be back on the Roxy’s stage for the regional debut of this fantastic show! You may have seen her as Carrie White in Roxy’s production of CARRIE THE MUSICAL, as Martha in HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL, as Young Bernadette in PRISCILLA: QUEEN OF THE DESERT, or perhaps recently in A CHRISTMAS CABARET. Up next, Jasmine will be in “Beehive” at the Forum theater! She would like to thank her family and friends who have supported her throughout this crazy career, her loving partner Drew, her swing in crime Ben, the cast, crew, Phil and his crew - how about that band??, our talented designers as always, Porter, Rick, and you in the audience who continue to support live local theater. Thank you all for spending your evening with us. Stay jazzy and have fun!
Ben Konczey
Male Swing
Ben is excited to participate in his second production at Roxy's Downtown! His last acting role was more than 4 years ago and he loved learning about each of the characters in the show! This will be his second production with Roxy's after running lightboard for HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL Ben is about to graduate from Wichita State University with a BAA in Media Arts and is pumped to apply his craft on Roxy's soundboard! His lucky number is 4.
Rick Bumgardner
Artistic Director
Rick just fell in love with the music and then the story of this amazing new musical when Drew and Porter presented the production to him for consideration in the 23-24 season. As fate would have it, it got moved forward into this season and it is his honor to once again be working with such young, gifted, and talented budding theatre artists. The show reminds him of what a “ride” theater can be and how, when you dedicate yourself to the “craft of theater,” your life can go on.
Lyle Valentine
Technical Director
Lyle is excited to build his fifth set for Roxy’s! Normally found on stage, his love for theatre extends to the technical side as well. He was lead for set construction for CARRIE THE MUSICAL this season, and was nominated for a Mary Jane Teall award for set design at Wichita Community Theatre. You may recognize him as Max from THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, The Duke in BIG RIVER from earlier this season, or as BILLY CANE from Bright Star in spring 22. He also played various roles at Kechi Playhouse- originating the role of Egbert in Misty Maynard’s original comedy OFFICE PARTY for which he won the Mary Jane Teall award for Best Actor in a Comedy. He has been a part of music programs since 6th grade, and is a current member of the Heart of America Men’s Chorus. Support as much of Wichita’s vibrant theatre community as you can!
Paul Graves
Music Direction
Paul Graves is excited to be back on this thrilling ride music directing at Roxy’s Downtown. He has taught choral music and music directed many productions from ages elementary through adult. Under his music direction, choirs have received awards in state,national and internationally. He has been named Who’s Who Among America's Teachers, as well being named a regional semi-finalist for Kansas Teacher of the Year. He has received Mary Jane Teall Awards and the Roxy’s Excellence Award for musical direction. He is thankful for his wife Denice and daughters McKenzie, Molly and Hayden for all their love and continued support. Thank you to Rick, Porter and Drew for their vision, and the amazing cast for their hard work as we went on this incredible ride together. Buckle your seat belts and keep your hands and feet inside the coaster at all times. Enjoy the Ride!
Courtney Wages
Choreography
Courtney Wages is always thrilled to be working with Roxy’s. Courtney recently graduated from Wichita State University with her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance. You may have seen Courtney’s work in TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, CARRIE THE MUSICAL, PRISCILLA: QUEEN OF THE DESERT, BRIGHT STAR, THE COLOR PURPLE, DISASTER, SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS or THE 39 STEPS. Courtney works at Andover Dance Academy and Midwest Dance Mechanix as a dance instructor and choreographer. She has had the joy of taking her pieces to KCACTF where she choreographed the entire Midwest Region, has taught multiple masterclasses around the States, and choreographs for schools in the Kansas area and theatres back in OKC. Thank you to the cast and crew of RIDE THE CYCLONE! You are all amazing and I can’t wait to watch you all SHINE!
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