Buffalo State presents musical ‘Ride the Cyclone’ in renovated Flexible Theatre

Ride the Cyclone premiered in 2008 but has recently become a viral sensation. With book, music, and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, the musical follows six teenagers whose lives are cut short by a freak roller coaster accident. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller named Karnak invites each to compete for the ultimate prize—the chance to return to life. 

This month, Ride the Cyclone is presented in the round—i.e. with audience seated on all sides of the stage—by the Buffalo State Theater Department and Casting Hall Productions. It is the university’s first production in the newly renovated Flexible Theatre, located in the Donald Savage Theater and Communication Building.

“We are very excited to welcome the BSU community, as well as our patrons, back to the newly renovated space,” said Carol Beckley, associate professor and Theater Department chair. “The selection of a musical staged in the round was a specific choice made to fully embrace this amazing theater space, as well as showcase the talents of our students.”

“Being in the round provides an emotional, immersive roller coaster—literally—not only for the audience, but also for us as actors,” said Lexus Hale, a senior theater major who plays Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg. “Having to work in a space so closely, where you can’t leave the stage, has given me a different perspective and a chance to expand and learn new skills.” 

That’s not an accident; one of the goals of on-campus theatrical productions is to provide applied learning opportunities that prepare students for professional productions in the post-graduate world. As such, Ride the Cyclone has also cast understudies, a practice that provides students another industry skill for their resumes. 

“Being an understudy has taught me the importance of adaptability, collaboration, confidence, and preparation,” said Rio Wood, a sophomore understudying the role of Ricky Potts. “It’s important to know how to adapt to your surroundings and find new, interesting perspectives on the character. Despite being an understudy, I have never been treated as less than. I am grateful to be in an environment that is inclusive and energized.”

“I have never encountered a show like Ride the Cyclone,” said director Sabrina Kahwaty, who, in addition to directing Buffalo State’s production of Teach in 2024, is also a digital content specialist in the university’s Marketing and Communications Office. “It oscillates between outrageously comedic and genuinely touching, all while prompting us to consider what it means to live life to the fullest. Being able to present the show as the inaugural production for this beautiful, renovated space has made it all the more special.” 

Renovations for the Flexible Theatre began with designs in April 2022; construction commenced in April 2024 and was completed this past September. Updates include a redesigned entrance and lower lobby with new box office, ceiling design, flooring, paint, furniture, and poster marquee; paint, sconces, and ceiling treatment for the stairwell; creation of an upper lobby space; new signage, furniture, lighting, flooring, paint, an enhanced theater space entry; and a resurfaced stage floor. A student office for Casting Hall Productions was also created, and the green room was renovated with new furniture, flooring, piano alcove, cabinets, and lounge area.

Alumna Megan Au, ’07, of Kideney Architects, served as the project’s head interior designer. Au said the renovation focused on creating comfortable and functional spaces for both students and patrons.

“During the everyday between classes, students needed places to retreat and relax without having to leave the building—spaces that encourage socialization, connectivity, rest,” said Au, a graduate of Buffalo State’s Art and Design Department. “We also wanted space for people to sit and wait before the doors opened or during intermission. I was motivated to connect the lower lobby and box office with the enlarged upper lobby by removing a twelve-inch-thick brick wall and creating a visual path with the wood-slatted ceiling that begins above the marquee sign, follows from the box office to the stairs, turns and runs vertically above the stairs, and continues into the higher ceiling in the upper lobby.”

Au and her team also embraced the space’s existing features rather than working against them.

“The enormous red fire alarm box in the lower lobby was too costly and difficult to even attempt to move elsewhere,” Au said, “so instead it became inspiration for the dynamic red accent paint used throughout the lobby spaces. It’s less of an eyesore when the surrounding materials lend support to its existence in the space.”

One of Au’s favorite additions is the new light-up marquee in the lower lobby, which showcases posters for upcoming productions.

“The marquee sign was a unique opportunity to research and source,” Au said. “I enjoyed the thrill of the hunt for that special piece; it functions like a rotating art display to advertise upcoming events.”

The current poster informs the campus community that Ride the Cyclone begins with a preview performance on Wednesday, March 12, and continues through Sunday, March 16. 

“This show has been absolutely incredible to be a part of,” said Arianna Morris, a senior theater major who plays Constance Blackwood. “Sabrina’s vision has been translated gracefully through her specific and eloquent communication; the design team worked hard to construct a world that connects viewers to the action in an intimate way; and the cast has collaborated effortlessly to bring the St. Cassian Choir’s story to life.”

As much as the cast is looking forward to sharing the show they’ve created over the past three months, they also want audiences to take away its message. 

“The story really teaches you to value your life more,” said Myshawn Sikes, a junior theater major who understudies Karnak and serves as assistant stage manager. His counterpart, Syed Chowdhury, a junior theater major who plays Karnak, added, “The show encapsulates the beauty of mortality and the true meaning of living.”

“It’s full of amazing music, sharp humor, and weaves a beautiful tale of what it means to live and die,” Morris said. “You won’t want to miss it. Come ride the Cyclone!”

For tickets, contact the Rockwell Hall Box Office or purchase on the website. Audiences should be advised the show includes strong language, mature themes, depictions of death and grief, dark humor, brief violence, and sexual references.

Photos by Jesse Steffan-Colucci, Buffalo State photographer.